2024-10-26 18:25:03
The Louisville Leopards Varsity Football Team rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat the host Wooster Generals 20-17 in their regular season finale Friday Night at Follis Field. With the victory, Louisville finishes the season with a record of 4-6.
Game Stats | Scoring Summary | Team Stats | Individual Stats
Live Stream Courtesy of YSN Live
Unofficially the Leopards have been eliminated from postseason contention according to the Harbin point calculations on joeeitel.com. The Leopards finish the season with a 8.6652 average and currently sit in 16th place in Division II, Region 5 narrowly ahead of Akron Firestone who has a current average of 8.6500. However, its the Akron Garfield at Akron East game that eliminates Louisville regardless.
Akron Garfield (4-5) controls its own destiny when it plays at Akron East (5-4) on Saturday. If the Golden Rams win then take the 15th spot and Willoughby South (3-7) moves down to the 16h spot still ahead of Louisville with a 9.7798 average.
If Akron East wins, then Akron Firestone receives enough second level points to surpass Louisville even if the Falcons (4-5) fall at Akron Ellet (1-8) tomorrow. This is because Firestone won at East 13-12 in Week 8. Akron Firestone would have a 9.0000 average in this scenario and the only way they could remain below the Leopards is if Akron Garfield wins. As we have stated, if the Rams win they are in and Louisville is out. So there is no win-loss scenario that puts the Leopards in the postseason.
The Louisville Leopards delivered a dramatic season finale on Friday night, narrowly defeating the Wooster Generals 20-17 in a thrilling game at Follis Field. Louisville’s balanced offensive attack, paired with a tough and resilient defensive performance, helped the Leopards secure their fourth win of the season, bringing them to a final record of 4-6. The game, a showcase of determination and strategy, saw standout performances on both sides of the ball, with Louisville clinching the win on a game-winning touchdown run from Cam Dougherty in the final quarter.
Louisville’s offense wasted no time establishing dominance. The Leopards struck on their opening drive with a blend of rushing and passing that set the pace for the game. On the fifth play, quarterback Tate Aljancic launched a beautiful 35-yard pass to wide receiver Ashton Marshall, who sprinted past defenders and secured the Leopards’ first touchdown of the night. The drive covered 67 yards in just 2:29, with key contributions from running backs Owen DiMarzio and Gabe Stoffer. Aljancic’s extra-point kick split the uprights, giving Louisville a quick 7-0 lead.
The Leopards continued to dominate defensively, as linebacker Wyatt Smith and linemen Kolton Loy and Jacob Galbraith constantly pressured Wooster’s backfield, keeping the Generals’ offense on its heels. Smith, along with linebacker Kolton Loy, made several key tackles that stifled Wooster’s initial drives. Ty Paumier added to the Leopards’ defensive effort, snatching a leaping interception late in the first quarter, which allowed the Leopards to maintain control as the first quarter ended with a 7-0 advantage.
Louisville’s offense picked up right where it left off in the second quarter. Following a powerful 12-yard run by Stoffer and a tough 6-yard carry from DiMarzio, the Leopards marched down the field, steadily advancing with both air and ground attacks. Aljancic capped off the drive with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Marshall, marking the duo’s second scoring connection of the night. The score came on a crucial 4th-and-goal play, demonstrating Louisville’s aggressive approach. Aljancic’s extra point extended the Leopards’ lead to 14-0 with 6:58 left in the half.
Wooster responded with a big play on special teams as Hayden Meese broke free on a 79-yard kick return, taking the ball deep into Louisville territory at the 17-yard line. Louisville’s defense, however, proved resilient and managed to hold the Generals to a 30-yard field goal from Jake Rickett, making the score 14-3. The Leopards then pushed back into Wooster territory with DiMarzio leading a key 35-yard return, but their momentum was halted after a 53-yard field goal attempt fell short.
Wooster came out of halftime determined to shift the game’s momentum. Quarterback Calin Baxstrom orchestrated a quick drive, connecting with Meese on a 46-yard touchdown pass. Rickett’s extra point narrowed the lead to 14-10, putting pressure on Louisville’s defense to hold firm.
The Leopards’ offense stalled on the following possession, and after a punt, Wooster took over and mounted a lengthy, methodical drive, utilizing the running prowess of Julian Franklin. Franklin churned through the Leopards’ defense with tough yardage, scoring on a 4-yard touchdown run to give Wooster a 17-14 lead late in the third quarter. Louisville’s defense, though pressured, saw strong contributions from Dougherty, Loy, and Smith, each making critical stops to prevent Wooster from furthering their lead.
Trailing by three in the fourth quarter, Louisville’s offense needed a response. Aljancic spearheaded the Leopards’ drive, combining short passes with powerful rushing plays. A series of crucial first downs by Aljancic and DiMarzio moved the Leopards steadily downfield. Then, on 3rd-and-4, Aljancic found Marshall for an 11-yard completion that kept the drive alive.
Finally, on the ninth play of the drive, Dougherty broke through for a spectacular 24-yard touchdown run. Demonstrating his field vision and speed, Dougherty left Wooster’s defense scrambling as he crossed into the end zone, lifting Louisville to a 20-17 lead. Although the extra point failed, the Leopards had regained control of the game with just under seven minutes remaining.
Wooster, refusing to go quietly, mounted one final attempt to reclaim the lead. Franklin gained 18 yards to bring the Generals into Louisville territory, and with three minutes left, the Generals were within striking distance, needing just inches on 4th-and-short. However, Louisville’s defense held firm, with Loy and Smith stonewalling Franklin to deny the Generals the critical first down.
Louisville then took over with 2:34 on the clock and aimed to run out the game. Dougherty’s 24-yard run moved the Leopards into Wooster territory, and with the clock winding down, Stoffer delivered the game-sealing play, breaking loose for a 23-yard run to the Wooster 2-yard line. Selflessly, Stoffer went down inbounds, allowing the Leopards to kneel out the victory and secure a hard-fought 20-17 triumph.
The Leopards tallied 317 yards of total offense, with 227 coming on the ground. Stoffer led all rushers with 82 yards, while DiMarzio and Dougherty contributed 77 and 66 yards, respectively. Aljancic completed 9 of 14 passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns, both of which were caught by Marshall, who finished with 68 receiving yards on five catches.
Wooster’s Franklin had 87 rushing yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, while Meese recorded 97 yards receiving, including a 46-yard touchdown catch. Baxstrom threw for 106 yards, completing 6 of 17 attempts with one touchdown and one interception.
Louisville’s defense showed its grit, forcing three turnovers and coming up with key stops, especially in the second half. Paumier’s interception and Dougherty’s fumble recovery underscored the Leopards’ defensive tenacity, while Loy, Smith, and Galbraith played crucial roles in holding Wooster to only 215 total yards.
With the season finale victory, Louisville finishes the season at 4-6. This game encapsulated the Leopards’ resilience and determination, with players stepping up on both sides of the ball to grind out a memorable victory. The Leopards will look to build on this momentum as they head into the offseason, proud of a season-ending win that demonstrated their heart and potential.
Note: Recap generated by AI and may have errors
The victory marks the Leopards first over the Generals since 1988. Louisville won in that only other trip to Wooster 20-13 on September 23, 1988.
The Leopards are now 2-3 against the Generals all-time, with the road team winning in every game of the series.
Thursday, October 24
at Canton Central Catholic 54, St. Thomas Aquinas 7
Friday, October 25
at New Philadelphia 42, Dover 24
at Alliance 47, Marlington 10
Northwest 24, at Canton South 21
at Jackson 23, North Canton Hoover 20
Boardman 42, at Canfield 17
at Lake 49, Green 21
South Range 38, at Hubbard 0
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LEOPARDS 20, GENERALS 17
Team 1-2-3-4–TOTAL
Wooster 0-3-14-0—17
Louisville 7-7-0-6–20
1st Quarter
LOUISVILLE – Ashton Marshall 35 Yard Pass from Tate Aljancic (Tate Aljancic Kick) | LHS 7, WHS 0, 5:49
5 Plays, 67 Yards, 2;29
2nd Quarter
LOUISVILLE – Ashton Marshall 2 Yard Pass from Tate Aljancic (Tate Aljancic Kick) | LHS 14, WHS 0, 6:58
8 Plays, 50 Yards, 3:18
WOOSTER – Jake Rickett 30 Yard Field Goal | LHS 14, WHS 3, 5:22
4 Plays, 4 Yards, 1:23
3rd Quarter
WOOSTER – Hayden Meese 46 Yard Pass from Calin Baxstrom (Jake Rickett Kick) | LHS 14, WHS 10, 7:34
4 Plays, 67 Yards, 1:20
WOOSTER – Julian Franklin 4 Yard Run (Jake Rickett Kick) | LHS 14, WHS 17, 1:40
10 Plays, 64 Yards, 4:23
4th Quarter
LOUISVILLE – Cam Dougherty 24 Yard Run (Kick Failed) | LHS 20, WHS 17
9 Plays, 62 Yards, 5:03
Records: Louisville 4-6, Wooster 2-8
First Downs
Louisville: 19 (10 Rushing, 7 Passing, 2 Penalty)
Wooster: 11 (6 Rushin, 4 Passing, 1 Penalty)
Total Offense
Louisville: 58 Plays, 317 Yards, 3 Touchdowns (5.5 Average)
Wooster: 49 Plays, 215 Yards, 2 Touchdowns (4.4 Average)
Rushing
Louisville: 44 Carries 227 Yards, Touchdown (5.2 Average)
Wooster: 32 Carries, 109 Yards, Touchdown (3.4 Average)
Passing
Louisville: 9 of 14 for 90 Yards, 2 Touchdowns
Wooster: 6 of 17 for 106 Yards, Touchdown
Fumbles/Lost
Louisville: 1/1
Wooster: 3/0
Penalties/Yards
Louisville: 6 for 55 Yards
Wooster: 4 for 35 Yards
3rd Down Conversions
Louisville: 4 for 10 (40%)
Wooster: 6 for 13
4th Down Conversions
Louisville: 1 for 1 (100%)
Wooster: 0 for 2 (0%)
Punt Yards
Louisville: 3 Punts, 112 Yards (37.3 Average)
Wooster: 3 Punts, 96 Yards (32.0 Average)
Kick Return Yards
Louisville: 4 Returns, 70 Yards
Wooster: 4 Returns, 94 Yards
Punt Return Yards
Louisville: 1 Return, 18 Yards
Wooster: None
Field Goal Attempts
Louisville: 0/1
Wooster: 1/1, 30 Yards
Rushing
Louisville
Gabe Stoffer 11 Carries, 82 Yards
Owen DiMarzio 16 Carries, 77 Yards
Cam Dougherty 8 Carries, 66 Yards, Touchdown
Tate Aljancic 9 Carries, 2 Yards
Wooster
Julian Franklin 23 Carries, 87 Yards, Touchdown
Hayden Meese 2 Carries, 13 Yards
Calin Baxstrom 6 Carries, 9 Yards
Mon’Tierre Coleman 1 Carry, 0 Yards
Passing
Louisville
Tate Aljancic 9 of 14 for 90 Yards, 2 Touchdowns
Wooster
Calin Baxstrom 6 of 17 for 106 Yards, Touchdown, Interception
Receiving
Louisville
Ashton Marshall 5 Catches, 68 Yards, 2 Touchdowns
Owen DiMarzio 2 Catches, 22 Yards
Quin Burick 1 Catch, 6 Yards
Gabe Stoffer 1 Catch, -6 Yards
Wooster
Hayden Meese 4 Catches, 97 Yards, Touchdown
Michael Wright 2 Catches, 9 Yards
Kick Returns
Louisville
Owen Wilson 3 Returns, 63 Yards, 35 Long (21.0 Average)
Ty Paumier 1 Return, 7 Yards
Wooster
Hayden Meese 1 Return, 79 Yards
Tristin Walker 2 Returns, 15 Yards, 9 Long (7.5 Average)
Micah Martinez 1 Return, 0 Yards
Punt Returns
Louisville
Gabe Stoffer 1 Return, 18 Yards
Wooster
COMING SOON
Punts
Louisville
3 Punts, 112 Yards, 46 Long (37.3 Average)
Wooster
Jack Dossi 3 Punts, 96 Yards, 34 Long (32.0 Average)
Field Goals
Louisville
Tate Aljancic 0 for 1, Missed 53
Wooster
Jake Rickett 1 for 1, Made 30
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