Cy Ridge got off to a fast start on their first possession that started at their own 35-yard line. The drive was capped by a 37-yard TD run followed by a successful PAT to go ahead 7-0. A notable play on Stratford defense came from Sam Fields, who had a nice pass breakup during the drive.

Stratford started its first drive deep in its own territory at the 9-yard line. After getting a couple of first downs keyed by runs by Deamone Harris and a 20-yard screen pass to Elliott Young, the Spartans had to punt. Cy Ridge got the ball back with good field position at mid field. The Stratford defense started strong with nice tackles for loss by Damien Torres and Nate Edwards. But Cy Ridge made a 25-yard completion on 4th and long to keep the drive alive. Cy Ridge was in the end zone shortly into the second quarter and were up 14-0 after a successful PAT.

Stratford started its next possession set up nicely by a 30-yard Elliott Young kickoff to the 43-yard line. A clutch catch by Ryan White on third down kept the drive alive. Harris had a run of 13 yards, and John Briggs ran for a 13-yard scramble. With a facemask penalty, the Spartans were in the red zone. Harris ran it in for a TD and with a 2-point conversion catch by White, Stratford was on the board 14-8.

Stratford’s ensuing kick-off was a Reayon Harris squib kick that was recovered by the Spartans at the Cy Ridge 35-yard line by Elliott Young. The drive started strong keyed by runs from Deamone Harris (15 and 7 yards) and Young. Stratford was in business at the Cy Ridge 2-yard line, but an interception in the end zone ended the drive.

With the interception, Cy Ridge got the ball at their own 20 with 1:30 remaining in the half. They struck quickly with pass plays of 22 yards and 50 yards to be in position for a field goal to end the half. FG was good, and Cy Ridge led at halftime 17-8.

Stratford began the second half with the ball at their own 39-yard line, set up by another solid return of 25 yards by Young. Deamone Harris got the drive started off right with a 22-yard run, keyed by a nice block by Isaac Young. It was a solid drive into the red zone with additional runs by Harris (13 and 8 yards), a Briggs run of 8 yards, and 10-yard completion to Elliott Young. After a pass interference call on 4th down, the Spartans were positioned with 1st and goal. Briggs powered it into the end zone on a QB sneak for a TD. Another 2-point reception by White drew the Spartans close, 17-16.

The Stratford defense started strong their next time out with tackles for loss by Torres and Benton Byrd. But Cy Ridge converted a key 4th and 11 to keep the drive alive. An 18-yard TD pass and PAT had Cy Ridge up 24-16 to answer the Spartans' score.

Stratford got the ball on their own 24-yard line late in the 3rd quarter and moved the ball well. More solid runs by Deamone Harris and pass completions to Young (10 yards), and White (11 yards) had the Spartans driving. But the drive stalled at the Cy Ridge 33-yard line, and the Spartans turned it over on downs. Cy Ridge immediately answered with a 67-yard TD pass and put the game out of reach 30-16 (missed PAT).

Stratford’s last drive quickly ended but not before pass plays to Harris (17 yards) and Young (5 yards). Cy Ridge got the ball back at the Stratford 44 and was able to run out the clock. Final score Cy Ridge 30, Stratford 16. Despite injuries, the Spartan offensive line was solid and enabled a well-balanced offensive attack.