Alliance is bounced by Northwest, 31-14

Northwest qualified for a regional final against Thornville Sheridan.
By ERIC HAMILTON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
BARBERTON -- Alliance High's football season ended just the way it had begun -- with a loss to a future Northeastern Buckeye Conference rival.
The Aviators' Division III playoff run came to an abrupt end Saturday night at Rudy Sharkey Stadium, as the Northwest offense overpowered the Alliance defense, putting up 31 points en route to a 31-14 victory.
The Indians (11-1) advanced to a regional final contest against Thornville Sheridan, which upended state power Steubenville.
Alliance had begun its season with a 54-27 loss to Minerva.
"Northwest is by far the best team we played this season," said Alliance coach Ron Kuceyeski. "We had some opportunities, but against a good football team you have to take advantage. We had some critical errors with penalties, and on defense we gave up too many big plays."
Northwest's 1-2 punch
Northwest quarterback Kevin Stacy and running back Scott Weber shared the spotlight. Stacy threw for 294 yards and two touchdowns, while Weber punished Alliance for 202 yards on 28 carries.
"When you have an offense that balanced, it's tough to defend. It would be like putting Howland and Salem together and trying to stop them," said Kuceyeski.
"It is frustrating when you score and get back in the game and one play later they get back in the end zone."
Northwest scored every which way -- grinding it out for long scoring drives and also hitting on long passes.
In the first half, the Indians put together drives that couldn't be more opposite. On its first possession of the game, Northwest chewed up over eight minutes of the clock with an 18-play drive that ended with a Chas Baiera 25-yard field goal.
89-yard bomb
After Northwest and Alliance traded touchdowns, the Indians caught the Aviators' defense on a quick-hitter. On the first play of Northwest's next possession, Stacy connected with Anthony Barkhurst for an 89-yard bomb to go ahead 17-7 at halftime.
Alliance (9-3) had its chances in the second half. The Aviators climbed within 17-14 with 6:12 left in the third quarter on a Charles Baab to Josh Baker 8-yard touchdown pass.
But Weber scored on a 30-yard run and a 10-yard run to put the game out of reach.
Alliance had opportunities to cut into the deficit, but three second-half turnovers, a missed field goal and penalties at critical times sealed the Aviators' fate.
"We had the ball first-and-goal at their 8 and we got two penalties and didn't score," said Kuceyeski. "I think that was a big momentum changer."
Davis is standout
Despite the mistakes, Alliance's offense was able to move the ball against Northwest. Senior Kendell Davis rushed for 180 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes for 30 yards.
Unlike last week, when Alliance capitalized on five Beaver Local turnovers to upset the Beavers, the Aviators fell victim to their own giveaways against Northwest. Alliance totaled four turnovers, which Northwest took advantage of.
"We've turned this program around," said Kuceyeski. "I'm proud of our kids' effort this season and tonight. We are excited about joining the NBC next season and I can see Alliance and Northwest developing a nice rivalry."