Colerain runs away with the game against St. Xavier

Colerain advances to the OHSAA Division I quarterfinals after a powerful win over St. Xavier. Many expected the matchup between two of Ohio’s finest to remain fairly close, but once Colerain got their offense going, nothing could stop them.

Entering the game, Colerain boasted a 10-1 record, ranking 28^th in the DigitalSports National Football Rankings and 4^th in Ohio. St. Xavier came into the contest with a 7-4 record to place 80^th in the nation and 7^th in the state.

After scoring the only touchdown of the first quarter, Colerain broke out to a 21-7 lead by the half. Tacking on another 14 points in the third, the Cardinals entered the fourth with a 35-14 advantage. Ending the game how they started it, Colerain scored the only touchdown of the final quarter.

Led by Deshaunte Jones, Colerain ran all over St. Xavier’s defense. The senior quarterback gained 229 yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries. Monalo Caldwell scored the opening TD and then went on to run for 92 yards on 20 carries. Senior RB Zach Johnson carried the ball nine times for an addition 120 yards and a score. Sophomore Gunnar Leyendecker took the ball 62 yards another TD on pitch.

All the while, Colerain’s defense played impeccably well. Sophomore linebacker Dan Bolden led all players with 11 tackles. Juniors Kyle Bolden, Darrian Beavers, and Keontae Jones all recorded seven tackles, one of Jones’ coming as a sack.

Moving on to the quarterfinals, Colerain will face Elder on November 21. Currently, Edler sits in 96^th in the nation and 9^th in Ohio.