Crestview's defense shuts down Lisbon to remain unbeaten in TCL

The Rebels held the Blue Devils to 143 total yards in the 21-7 victory.
BY ERIC HAMILTON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
LISBON -- Entering Friday night's key Tri-County League contest between Crestview and Lisbon, the two offenses were averaging a combined 80 points per game. With numbers like that, almost everyone expected an old-fashioned shootout.
But someone forgot to tell Crestview's defense. The unit took center stage at Bud Bucher Field, forcing five Lisbon turnovers, including a 30-yard interception return by Andy Walton, en route to a 21-6 victory over the previously-undefeated Blue Devils.
"No one wanted to talk about our defense," said Crestview coach Paul Cusick, whose team improved to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the TCL. "They've been playing well all year and not giving up many points. Turnovers are a key in a game like this and we came up with a few and kept Lisbon contained."
The Rebels held the Blue Devils (5-1, 2-1) to just 143 total yards and pitched a shutout until the Blue Devils scored with 1:35 left in the game.
Shut down Grafton
Crestview's defense was all over big-play threat Josh Grafton, limiting him to just 30 yards rushing and 31 yards receiving, and one score. He came in averaging 123 yards rushing per contest with 17 touchdowns.
"We knew we could contain Grafton," said Crestview senior defensive back Justin Coie, who recovered a fumble and grabbed an interception. "We worked on that all week and our coaches prepared us really well. We just wanted to demand some respect and show that we're just as good as the offense."
The Rebels got on the scoreboard quickly, marching 78 yards on their opening drive. Quarterback Jordan Reynolds did the bulk of the damage on the ground.
On the first play of the game, he scampered 24 yards. Five plays later, he bolted 37 yards for a touchdown, then added the extra-point kick to give Crestview a 7-0 lead.
Forced turnovers
That turned out to be all the Rebels needed. The defense was too quick and too strong for the Lisbon offense. Crestview tallied a fumble recovery and two interceptions in the first half alone.
With the Rebels already in control 14-0, the defense got into the scoring act. Walton, a senior defensive end, intercepted a Corey Smith pass and rambled 30 yards for the score to pad the advantage to 21-0 with 5:32 remaining in the first half.
"The funny thing about that play is that we called that this week in practice," said Cusick. "We've been playing screen passes real well this year and we said a defensive end was going to get a pick tonight. It's every lineman's dream."
Thompson leads Rebels
Adam Thompson provided much of the offense for Crestview, overcoming illness to rush for 125 yards on 15 carries. The senior was tested for mononucleosis this week, but it came back negative.
"Adam really stepped up for us tonight even though he's been sick," said Cusick. "Our offense scored a few points and our defense did the job and that's what you need to have to win in this league."
With Crestview's win and Columbiana's 20-7 victory over Leetonia, the Rebels and Clippers are tied atop the TCL with 3-0 marks. Lisbon and Leetonia follow with 2-1 league records.