High school football: Black River goes down swinging in loss to Columbia

SULLIVAN TWP. — The Black River football team didn't go down without a fight. Dealing with a slew of injuries, including one to top running back Joseph McKean, the Pirates came out swinging in the second half during a 40-12 Lorain County League loss to Columbia. "We talked about where we thought we could have success at halftime and adjusted some things," Black River coach Kyle Clark said. "Our kids executed whatever we asked them to do, but that's a heckuva football team over there that (Columbia coach) Jason (Ward) has." The Pirates (2-2, 0-1) offense found little success in the first half, limited to just two first downs until the final seconds. Both conversions came on their opening two drives, taking Black River to midfield. However, each time the Raiders held strong and forced quarterback Andon O'Neal to quick kick on fourth down. His team down 21-0, defensive back Johnny Kray gave Black River the spark it needed to start the third quarter, intercepting Columbia's Andrew Champagne to set up the Pirates at the Columbia 48-yard line. They mounted a 12-play drive, culminating in a fourth-and-10 conversion that went for a 12-yard touchdown when O'Neal dumped to running back Brandon Rollin in the flat. The senior weaved his way around the defense and into the end zone. "We needed something to kick us back into gear, and an interception right off the rip is a great way to do it," said Rollin, who finished with 60 rushing yards on 15 carries, 22 yards on two catches and two touchdowns. "We just had to be more relaxed, play smart and really work our offensive line. We picked up blocks and ran a lot better in the second half." Columbia (4-0, 1-0) adjusted on its second drive after being shut out in the first quarter, needing just over two minutes to run seven plays — five going for first downs — capped by a 14-yard rushing touchdown by Marco Cirigliano. The Raiders' next two touchdowns came thanks to advantageous field position. First, Owen Menge set up Columbia with great field position off a 25-yard punt return to the Black River 22-yard line and Andrew Champagne scored on a 7-yard touchdown run. Columbia's defense set up the next score with a great defensive play by corner Cody Davis on a long fourth-down throw by O'Neal, who was looking for Rollin down the left side for what would have been at least a 30-yard gain. Instead, Columbia took over at the Pirates 25-yard line and scored seven plays later on Champagne's 1-yard sneak. "Our No. 1 goal was to stop their run, and I thought we were decent at it," Clark said. "But obviously they have athletes and their quarterback is very good. They changed it and went more throw game on us. They did a great job making adjustments and got their playmakers the ball." Contact Chris Sweeney at sports@medina-gazette.com. Columbia 40, Black River 12COLUMBIA &emsp;&emsp;0 21 13 6 — 40B. RIVER &emsp;&emsp;0 0 6 6 — 12SecondC — Marco Cirigliano 14 run (Frank Washburn kick), 9:59.C — Andrew Champagne, 7 run (Washburn kick), 6:57.C — Champagne, 1 run (Washburn kick), 1:20.ThirdB — Brandon Rollin 12 pass from Andon O'Neal (pass failed), 7:36C — Drexton Friscone 12 pass from Champagne (Washburn kick), 3:49.C — Champagne 14 run (pass failed), 1:19.FourthC — Cody Davis 28 pass from Champagne (run failed), 5:59.B — Rollin, 4 run (pass failed), 3:14.