Football: Hilliard Bradley without Mr. Football candidate falls in state semi to St. Edward
Friday, November 24, 2023
By Scott Gerfen
info@cbussports.com
Hilliard Bradley’s Preston Wolfe is tackled after making a catch during the Jaguar’s 26-3 state semifinal loss to St. Edward Nov. 24 at Mansfield. Photo: Kevin Lam
As if the task weren’t daunting enough for Hilliard Bradley facing Division I powerhouse Lakewood St. Edward in its first-ever state semifinal, the Jaguars had to do it without their star quarterback and Ohio Mr. Football candidate.
Bradyn Fleharty’s absence due to a left ankle injury suffered in the overtime victory against Upper Arlington in a regional final a week ago wasn’t known until freshman Declan O’Neil was observed taking snaps in pre-game warmups.
The impact was evident.
The 26-3 loss to St. Edward Friday night at Mansfield’s Arlin Field was Bradley’s lowest offensive output since being shutout by UA 29-0 last season.
Hilliard Bradley defensive back Jordan Reed-Davis makes the stop on St. Edward’s wide receiver Zach Hackleman during the DI semifinal at Mansfield. Photo: Kevin Lam
“We tried everything we could, with (Fleharty’s) surgeon and doctors and everything we could do, to heal him up, and he just couldn’t go,” Bradley coach Mike LoParo said. “He couldn’t raise up on his toes, so we knew if you can’t jump or run or raise up on your toes, you can’t play.”
The Jaguars’ entered the contest averaging 28.3 points, with Fleharty passing for 2,810 yards and 32 touchdowns with six interceptions and rushing for another 1,360 yards and 17 scores.
Against St. Edward, Bradey was outgained 398-102 in total yards and held to 1 yard rushing on 18 carries.
O’Neil completed 12 of 24 passes for 101 yards and threw an interception.
“Bradyn has done an excellent job of mentoring Declan … to have him ready, and you could see tonight, he was ready,” said LoParo, whose team finished 13-2. “The moment wasn’t too big for him, and he stepped in there and did the best he could do as a freshman.”
Hilliard Bradley freshman quarterback Declan O’Neil runs the football during the Jaguars’ game with St. Edward Nov. 24 at Mansfield. Photo: Kevin Lam
St. Edward, which improved to 13-1, will face Springfield in the Division I final on Dec. 1 in Canton.
“Their young quarterback is going to be a good one,” St. Edward coach Tom Lombardo said. “It’s too bad their quarterback didn’t play. We had to plan for him all week, and you get a different one. But obviously, you’d rather have a freshman than a Mr. Football candidate in there, so we’re not complaining too much.”
The Eagles gained much of their yardage on the ground, with sophomore Brandon White scoring on runs 3, 1 and 12 yards. He finished with 241 yards on 40 carries.
White’s 1-yard score gave St Edward a 14-3 halftime lead.
“We knew if we were going to have a shot in this game, we had to stop the run, and we weren’t able to do it consistently,” LoParo said.
Along with a potent rushing attack, the Eagles’ defense didn’t let up in not allowing a first down in the second half.