The Wolverines returned to the OHSAA playoffs for the first time since 2021 as they traveled to Quinn Field in Portage County to take on the Streetsboro Rockets on Oct. 31.
Game photos click here.
The Wolverines returned to the OHSAA playoffs for the first time since 2021 as they traveled to Quinn Field in Portage County to take on the Streetsboro Rockets on Oct. 31.
Although the Rockets defeated the Wolverines, 35-21, the contest was not decided until late in the fourth quarter.
Using a powerful running game which featured senior running back Miles Baker, the Wolverines dominated time of possession as their long offensive drives helped them battle to a 21-21 tie after 3 quarters.
However, the Rockets took an early fourth quarter lead on a 14-yard touchdown run by junior running back Marcus Council as they went up 28-21 with 11:24 left in regulation.
On the Wolverines ensuing possession, just when it looked like the Wolverines would continue to drive down the field for a game-tying touchdown using a dominant run game, they attempted a long pass down the right sideline.
As the ball was in the air, Rockets senior cornerback Manny Gibson was able to get inside position on the Wolverines receiver and then made a spectacular diving interception at the Wolverines 20-yard line.
After the turnover, the Rockets put together a long touchdown drive which effectively put the game out of reach with 1:55 remaining in the game.
With their 35-21 victory over the Wolverines, the Rockets will now face the Lake Catholic Cougars in the next round of the OHSAA playoffs on Nov. 7.
Afterwards, West Geauga Head Coach Rossi Santo said that the Rockets were able to capitalize on some big plays throughout the contest.
“The big plays killed us, the block punt killed us, they had a long (pass play) after that,” Coach Santo said. “We didn’t make enough plays at the end. We had two turnovers tonight. The one was on me, it was a bad play call. Wish we could have that back, but I’m just super proud of these kids.”
To start the playoff game, the Rockets got on the scoreboard first with a 3-yard touchdown run by Council with 6:58 left in the first quarter. Council’s touchdown was the first of four touchdowns on the night for the junior running back.
After the Rockets took the opening drive into the endzone, the Wolverines answered quickly with a 52-yard touchdown run by senior running back and single season rushing record holder, Miles Baker with 5:13 left in the first quarter. After Adison Cook added the extra point, the score was tied at 7-7.
Then with 3:46 left in the first quarter, the Wolverines defense came up with a takeaway when senior Ryan Mobley recovered a fumble deep in Rockets territory.
The Wolverines wasted little time capitalizing on the turnover as Miles Baker got his second touchdown of the game with 2:28 remaining in the first quarter. Baker scored on a 4-yard touchdown run. After Cook’s extra point, the Wolverines led 14-7.
As Baker continued to dominate in the playoff game against the Rockets (29 carries, 195 yards and two touchdowns), he said that he tried to take a calm, relaxed approach to performing optimally.
“The way I saw it, it was just another game with a little bit of higher stakes,” said Baker. “I just try to do my thing, same as always.”
Added Coach Santo, “(Miles Baker) was outstanding. The kids a warrior. He works out every day, he watches a bunch of film. We’re very fortunate to have Miles.”
After Baker’s touchdown run to take the lead, the Rockets then came right back with a long touchdown run by Council to tie the game at 14-14 with 2:04 to play in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Rockets capitalized on a few big plays.
With 7:49 left in the second quarter, the Rockets blocked a Wolverines punt.
Pursuant to the blocked punt, the Rockets scored on the very next play when Janiere Cook connected with Manny Gibson on a 33-yard touchdown pass.
With the touchdown the Rockets took a 21-14 lead with 7:40 to go in the second quarter.
But as was characteristic of the contest as a whole, after the Rockets scored quickly, the Wolverines methodically moved the ball down the field to get in position to tie the game at 21-21 heading into halftime.
However, a fumble at the Rockets one-yard line late in the second quarter ended the Wolverines drive as the Rockets clung to a 21-14 lead heading into halftime.
Starting with the ball after intermission, the Wolverines meticulously marched down the field on a 19 play, 80-yard touchdown drive which took the first 9:16 of the third quarter.
The Wolverines first drive of the second half culminated with senior running back Daegan Katz’s short touchdown run to tie the game at 21-21 with 2:44 left in the third quarter.
With the defeat, the Wolverines completed a successful season in Head Coach Rossi Santo’s first year at the helm.
In summarizing the Wolverines’ season, senior Miles Baker reflected on the legacy the senior class of 2026 has left on the Wolverines Football program.
“I just hope the young guys will never forget us and I hope we can lead them even when we’re off the field to do bigger and better things,” said Baker. “And I hope they can one day be great leaders too.”
