Perry Holds Off Late Threat From Liberty Center, 21-14 For First State Title

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Sykotyk | December 2, 2023

The Perry Pirates are 2023 OHSAA Division V Champions on the backs of their defense. Holding Liberty Center to a fourth down stop in the shadow of their own goalposts. After a low scoring first half, that saw the two squads trade touchdowns, the third quarter exploded with points.  Liberty Center had one last redzone possession in the final minutes, misfiring on a pass play down the right side to a receiver who broke free of their defender. The pass fell harmlessly to the ground and Perry would go on to win, 21-14.

Liberty Center scored first, on a 4 yard pass play from Landon Amstutz to Colton Kruse. Perry quickly answered with a 37 yard touchdown reception by Luke Sivon from Brayden Richards. Richards would later break the tie on a 60 yard run just two minutes later. All three point-afters were converted by Aitor Ontanon Lopez.

For Perry, Walter Moses would lead the way with 9 of 14 passing and 219 yards and one touchdown. Richards added 3 completions on four attempts for an additional 61 yards and a score. Luke Sivon was the leader from the air, with 139 yards on just seven catches. And two scores. Richards would also get 46 receiving yards on two catches. While Jimmy Ashburn, Owen McKoon, and McKoy Richards would all get one catch apiece, for 50 yards, 43 yards, and 2 yards, respectively. On the ground, Brayden Richards was the frontrunner, with 124 yards on 11 carries and a score. Moses (8 for 19) and McKoon (6 for 16) would provide support.

In a losing effort, Landon Amstutz garnered just 37 passing yards on 5 of 17 passing. Including a touchdown. Colton Chambers, Grady Miller, and Aiden Tallent each recorded 11 receiving yards apiece, while Colton Kruse would get 4 yards and a score on his only catch. On the ground, Trenton Kruse led the way with 164 yards on 25 carries and a score. Colton Kruse added 68 yards on 17 carries, and Amstutz secured six yards on four carries.

Defensively, Armani Chiappone was the workhorse, with 12 tackles, 4 solo and Jayden Studio records the only tackle for loss on the day for the victors.

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