United’s first playoff experience is a loss

November 7, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

CUYAHOGA HEIGHTS

The Cuyahoga Heights Redskins are a well-oiled offensive machine, scoring under 31 points just once this season.

Their defense is downright “offensive” as well.

Alec Torgerson rushed for 194 yards and three touchdowns while the Redskins defense forced five United turnovers as Cuyahoga Heights defeated the Eagles, 35-7, on Saturday in a Division V first-round game.

“Cuyahoga Heights is a very good football team and you cannot expect to win against a good football team when you commit five turnovers,” said United coach Mike Ward.

“They have an excellent running attack and they are solid defensively as well. This was our first ever trip to the playoffs … while we’re disappointed tonight, a lot of good has happened to us over the course of the season.”

Torgerson said the win was keyed by the defense.

“Our defensive coordinator, coach [Ben] Kucia told us that if we expected to win then we would have to force some turnovers,” he said.

“Forcing five turnovers tonight was big. United reminded us a lot of Cincinnati Taft; a team that we picked off five times in our season opener,” Torgerson said.

In the first half Torgerson rushed for 119 yards as the Redskins reeled off 37 plays to just 19 for the Golden Eagles. United was forced into three interceptions.

The Redskins held the Eagles to just 4 yards rushing and 77 yards overall in the first half.

“We watched United on film and our entire staff was very impressed,” said Cuyahoga Heights coach Al Martin. “We were hoping to force some turnovers and that is what changed the complexion of the game tonight.”

United quarterback Josh McLaughlin, who had a team high 51 yards rushing, scored the Eagles’ only touchdown of the night on a 16 yard run at 2:49 of the third period, cutting the Redskins’ margin to 28-7.