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Rebels’ Ferris sure his grandfather will be watching
By TIM CLEVELAND
NEW WATERFORD
Crestview’s Jake Ferris certainly isn’t lacking for motivation heading into tonight’s Division V, Region 15 semifinal against Gilmour Academy (9-2) at Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary’s Green Street Stadium.
The senior suffered a tragic loss earlier this week as his grandfather Rick Kirk passed away after battling lung cancer for more than a year.
“I’m definitely really sad to see him go,” Ferris said. “He’s missed some of my games this season. It’ll be nice for him to be able to watch me play.”
Crestview (10-1) advanced with a 35-26 victory last Saturday over Liberty at home.
Ferris, a 5-foot-8, 200-pound senior H-back and linebacker, is a jack of all trades for the Rebels. This season, he has 272 yards rushing with seven touchdowns, 21 yards receiving and three scores, plus 85 kick-return yards. On defense, he has 72 tackles (11 for loss), a sack, an interception, seven passes defensed and three fumble recoveries. His 11 total touchdowns rank third on the team.
“I pretty much do what’s best for the team,” Ferris said. “I was thrown into a situation in the middle of the season, so I did what I needed to succeed for the team.
“One of our running backs got hurt so I stepped in. I got the job done in that situation so they kept me in the rotation.”
Crestview coach Paul Cusick said Ferris has stepped into any role he’s been needed in for the Rebels.
“He’s been very consistent throughout the year,” Cusick said. “He may not get all that much press, but he’s the kind of guy who is the glue of the team keeps things together.”
Ferris named games against Springfield (a 37-27 win in Week 7) and the playoff win against Liberty in which he has shined brightest.
“Against Springfield I scored three touchdowns — one rushing and two receiving,” he said. “Against Liberty I played very well defensively, I thought. I also had a big (75-yard) kick return that helped us win that game.”
The return came with Crestview leading 7-6. It set up a score for a 14-6 lead that the Rebels would never relinquish in the victory.
Cusick said Ferris doesn’t get the credit he deserves for the Rebels’ success.
“I think Jake is an underappreciated player,” Cusick said. “He makes plays for us in all three phases of the game. He’s always around the football. He’s come through in critical times for us, whether it be a catch or a critical return.”
Cusick said the Liberty game was another outstanding performance from his senior.
“It was a great example of senior leadership,” he said. “He had to come through and make plays and he definitely did that. He was able to get a big kick return to get us right back in it after they scored. He made plays throughout the night.”
It was the second victory for the Rebels over Liberty this season. Crestview won the first game 34-26 in Week 3.
“It’s hard to play teams twice in one season,” Cusick said. “I think our kids were confident they could play with them. Maybe that was an advantage. It’s all a matter of who played better that game; they’re evenly matched teams.”
With the next step in Crestview’s postseason journey against Gilmour Academy, Cusick said it will be a tremendous challenge for his team.
“From watching film, they’re very active on defense,” Cusick said. “They blitz a lot. They have a lot of basketball kids. They’re tall and lanky and very athletic. We’re going to have our hands full.”