LAKEWOOD, Ohio (Sept. 9, 2022) -- The Pirates scored a season-high 38 points en route to their first victory of the season Friday. Rocky River defeated Lakewood 38-12 in the annual Battle of the Bridge.
For the Sons of Blackbeard, the first few weeks of the season had been a battle against tough foes, injuries, and some untimely plays that have been costly on both sides of the ball. But this Friday, under these lights -- at Lakewood Stadium some 4-3/4 miles west of RRHS -- the Pirates were in a swashbuckling groove all the way.
With an offensive line getting a push and multiple backs and receivers coming through with impactful plays, the Pirates (1-3) jumped to a 24-6 lead by halftime. Third-quarter touchdown runs by Johnny Bebie and Nick DiSalvo pushed the River advantage to 38-6. And the fourth frame was an endgame march to the eventual Pirate triumph; the host Rangers reeled in the final six points of the contest.
Friday's win was a measure of retribution for the Pirates: the Rangers prevailed 21-14 in the 2021 Battle of the Bridge. And the Double-R has now won five of its last six against Lakewood.
Rocky River will open Great Lakes Conference West Division play next Friday: the Buccaneers will host Elyria Catholic.
by Skip Snow
Check out expanded RR Football news, notes, and stats in Hash Marks, which is published on Wednesdays.
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