By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

A spirited fourth-quarter comeback lifted the Rovers to their second win in as many weeks to open the season.

Trailing 9-0 at halftime and 22-12 after three quarters, Rootstown (2-0) scored a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns to come away with the 25-22 victory over host Champion.

The final scores both came on the legs of Cody Coontz, who raced to the end zone from 30 yards out with 4:55 remaining to cut the Rovers’ deficit to 22-19 following Hutton Krieger’s extra point.

A little over two minutes later, Coontz once again ran for a touchdown.

This one came from 43 yards out, with 2:49 remaining in the game, that put Rootstown in the lead for the first and only time in the game.

“(Champion) jumped out on us early and had an excellent gameplan,” Rootstown head coach Chris Knopick said. “We adjusted to their front offensively and went to a zone scheme up front.”

Offensively, the Rovers adjusted to a quick passing game and “it wore them down,” according to Knopick.

Champion made things interesting, driving to the Rovers’ 30 late in the game, but a bad snap that was recovered by Rootstown’s Drew Nero ended the game.

“I am incredibly proud of the team,” Knopick said. “They showed a ton of mental toughness, which is something we have been preaching.”

Coontz had another solid performance for Rootstown, finishing with 242 yards on 28 attempts and three touchdowns. In addition to his fourth-quarter scores, Coontz added a 6-yard run in the third quarter.

Rootstown’s first touchdown of the game came on a 10-yard run by quarterback Luke DeAngelis, who also completed 9-of-13 passes in the game.

The Flashes’ offense was led by quarterback Joey Fell, who was dominant in the air and on the ground.

He was 13-of-23 passing for 231 yards and a pair of touchdown strikes, while also running for 105 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown.

“He is an incredible football player,” Knopick said.

Rootstown will host Field on Friday. The Falcons dominated Southeast for a 28-6 victory in Week 2.