Crestwood quarterback Charlie Sommer hands the ball off to running back Nate Blasiole during last Friday’s matchup against Harvey.
Sheila Mathers/Special to Portage Sports

By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The Crestwood Red Devils secured a thrilling 21-17 league victory at Beachwood on Friday night when quarterback Charlie Sommer threw the game-winning touchdown to Jonas Honeycutt with 3:09 to play.

The 44-yard touchdown took a 17-14 deficit and turned it into a 21-17 lead on a third-and-18 play.

It was the Red Devils’ defense that stood tall next.

The Bisons took over possession and pushed into Crestwood territory with 2:17 to play, but the Devils’ defense eventually forced Beachwood to turn the ball over on downs with 45 seconds left to secure the win.

“When we needed them the most, our guys stepped up and made big plays tonight,” Crestwood head coach Jack D’Amato said.

The win improves his team to 2-3 overall and 1-1 in the Chagrin Valley Conference.

“Jonas Honeycutt was all over the field, in all phases of the game tonight. We are glad to have him back, along with his leadership.”

Honeycutt finished the game with five receptions for 162 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including a 74-yard game breaker in addition to his winning score.

He also had team-high 14 tackles and one tackle for a loss.

Honeycutt had all of Crestwood’s receptions through the air, with Sommer completing 5-of-11.

Crestwood jumped out to a 7-0 lead on a 5-yard run by Nate Blasiole in the first quarter, with Jayden Julian adding the extra point.

Beachwood (1-4, 0-2 CVC) answered with a 65-yard interception return to tie the score at 7-7, then the Bisons took a 14-7 second-quarter lead on a 45-yard fumble return.

This time it was Crestwood’s turn to tie it up, with Honeycutt’s 74-yard aerial strike for a deadlocked halftime score.

After a scoreless third quarter, Beachwood again took the lead, 17-14, this time using a 22-yard field goal to go up 17-14 to set the stage for the Red Devils’ late-game heroics.

“Our guys kept fighting no matter the circumstances, and I’m extremely proud of them for that.”

Blasiole led the Devils in rushing with 41 yards.

Crestwood will travel to Berkshire in  Week 6 to face the Badgers (3-2), who defeated Independence 35-21 on Friday.