Top seeded Mustangs open Class C title defense with rain soaked victory over Raiders

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 October 2021 at 10:14 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Following the blocking of Roosevelt Mitchell (63) Medina’s Noah Skinner (42) breaks loose for a touchdown run during the Mustangs sectional win over Eden at rainy Vets Park this evening.

Steadily pulling away over the first three quarters top seed Medina opened defense of its Section VI Class C title with a 30-14 win over No. 8 Eden this evening at rain drenched Vets Park.

Medina jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead in the first four minutes on a 17 yard touchdown run by Iverson Poole and a two-point conversion carry by Noah Skinner. A 32 yard pass from quarterback Xander Payne to Greg Thompson and an 18 yard run by Skinner set up the opportunity.

The Mustangs then pulled away to a 24-0 lead at the half by scoring twice in the final four minutes of the second quarter.

Skinner scored the first touchdown on a 18 yard run and also added the two-point conversion. A 26 yard Payne to Joe Cecchini pass completion and a 27 yard run by Thompson highlighted the drive.

Payne then connected with Jarin Rhim on a 21 yard touchdown pass play with just four seconds remaining as Skinner again added the two-point conversion. A 37 yard run by Thompson highlighted the drive which was set up by a pass interception by Cayden Lilleby.

Earlier in the half the Mustangs defensive unit stopped three Raider drives inside the Medina 25. An interception by Poole at the goal line stopped the first threat and the Raiders misfired on field goal opportunities ending the other two drives.

Skinner scored Medina’s final touchdown on a 55 yard run midway through the third quarter upping the lead to 30-0.

Eden scored two touchdowns in the final eight minutes on short runs by Matt Sweet and Quinn Harrington.

Staying undefeated at 9-0, Medina will next host No. 5 Lackawanna in the semifinals next Friday. Lackawanna defeated No. 4 Salamanca 14-0.