Johnstown outscores Lakewood to set up LCL-Cardinal title bout

Sam Marasek ran for two scores after halftime on Friday, propelling the Johnstown football team to a thrilling 38-34 victory against Lakewood in the Licking County League-Cardinal Division at Calhoun Memorial Field.

The Johnnies (5-4, 4-0), who have now won four consecutive games, will face Heath next Friday with the Cardinal championship up for grabs. They led 22-20 at halftime and extended their lead to 10 points on two occasions, only to have the Lancers (2-7, 0-4) respond.

Marasek scored touchdowns from 12 and 8 yards out, following Kaynen Lindsey’s three touchdowns in the first half from 1, 1, and 3 yards. Nana Owusu also contributed with four two-point conversion runs.

Lindsey rushed for an impressive 168 yards on 36 attempts, while Marasek added 79 yards on the ground and completed all five of his passing attempts for 47 yards.

Mitchell of Lakewood showcased his skills with touchdowns runs of 7, 65, and 39 yards, and also caught a 52-yard touchdown pass from Adam Crawford. Crawford also connected with Tyler Christman for a 10-yard touchdown pass.

Watkins dominates

Drew Samsal had an outstanding performance for Watkins Memorial, throwing four touchdown passes for a total of 308 yards in their impressive 34-0 shutout victory against Zanesville in LCL-Buckeye play.

Samsal started the scoring with a 15-yard touchdown run, and went on to throw a 63-yard touchdown pass to John Apel, as well as touchdown passes of 30, 95, and 7 yards to Jaeden Ricketts.

Samsal completed 15 of his 19 passing attempts, with Ricketts catching four passes for 142 yards and Apel catching five passes for 115 yards. Daaland Long contributed with 24 rushing yards.

For the Warriors, John Banks Jr. made four tackles for loss and Rocco Paschal made three. This shutout victory marks the fourth time the Warriors have kept their opponents off the scoreboard. They will have the chance to earn a share of the Buckeye championship when they face Granville next Friday.

Newark suffers road defeat

Steele Meister threw two touchdown passes in the first half for Newark, but it wasn’t enough as they fell to Groveport 47-19 in Ohio Capital Conference-Buckeye Division play.

Meister connected with Braelen Stephens for a 6-yard touchdown and found Drayson Peterson for a 34-yard touchdown, bringing the Wildcats (2-7, 0-4) within one point at 13-12 in the second quarter. However, the Cruisers (5-4, 3-1) went on to score 34 unanswered points.

Meister and Peterson connected again for a 14-yard touchdown to conclude the scoring. Meister finished the game 14 of 27 for 134 yards, with Peterson catching seven passes for 100 yards.

Tyvontae Bonner contributed with a 34-yard rushing touchdown and a sack on defense, while Preston Lunsford recorded two sacks.

Heights loses at home

Licking Heights had a chance to take the lead but Harvest Prep intercepted a pass and went on to score two late touchdowns for a 34-18 victory.

The Hornets (2-7) scored 16 unanswered points to take a 16-12 lead at halftime. However, the Warriors (7-1) regained the lead 20-16 in the third quarter, and although Heights momentarily cut the deficit to 20-18 in the fourth quarter with a safety, they were unable to complete the comeback.