By Ryan Jones

sports@vindy.com

BERLIN CENTER

Western Reserve started slow, but closed fast in a 35-14 victory over Inter Tri-County Tier 2 rival Leetonia on Friday night.

The Blue Devils (3-2), who trailed 7-0 at the 10:37 mark of first quarter, scored the next 15 points to post a 15-7 margin early in the second period.

Western Reserve coach Andy Hake had no answers for the slow start.

“We came out flat tonight,” he said. “That wasn’t who we are as a team. We had a talk at halftime and the kids decided they were going to compete. There are a lot of kids on this team that played on last year’s state semifinal team. If there’s one thing I know, never count these kids out.”

The Blue Devils’ offense went to the ground to gain momentum in the second half. Western Reserve’s Tim Cooper, who led all rushers with 155 yards on 18 carries, opened the second half with five straight running plays.

The effective running loosened up the Bears’ defense and allowed Western Reserve’s Nick Allison to connect with tight end John Timko on a 19-yard touchdown pass for a 21-14 lead with 2:25 left in the third quarter.

The 6-foot-4 junior signal caller finished 7 of 11 for 140 yards and two touchdowns.

“They [Leetonia] were expecting the run at that point,” Allison said. “We were in a stack I formation and I saw the cornerback come up to play the power run. John [Timko] ran right past him.”

After a three-and-out by Leetonia on the ensuing possession, Cooper scored on an electrifying 52-yard run to give the Blue Devils a 28-14 advantage with 10:37 to play.

Cooper said he the play called was power right, and that his offensive line collapsed the right side of the Bears’ front.

“I saw a huge cut-back lane to the left,” he said. “I hit the hole fast and outran a few players, and finished with a stiff arm to the last defender in my way.”

Hake said Cooper’s athletic ability rivals the best he has coached.

“If he’s not an all-state player, then I don’t know who is,” Hake said. “I’m playing him at tailback because we have to have him there. He’s an outstanding wide receiver. I’m not ashamed to say I think he’s the best player in the ITCL.”

Leetonia coach Matt Altomare his team’s three-and-out cost the Bears (3-2) momentum.

“We needed to get one or two first downs on our possession after they hit us with the play-action pass,” he said.