The Brush Arcs defeated the Padua Bruins Friday night, 36-22, winning their first road opener in the past 14 years. Leading 29-22 in the fourth quarter, the Arcs went for it on fourth down and goal on the Bruins one yard line. The result: a touchdown that opened up the Arcs lead to 36-22. The Arcs (currently ranked #23 in the Plain Dealer Top 25) next face the Lakeside Dragons for their home opener on Friday, September 6th. Game time is at 7:00 PM and features a magnetic schedule for the first 1,000 fans!
The Arcs jumped out to a 14-0 first quarter lead before the Bruins scored a touchdown and a two point conversion to make it 14-8 at the end of the first quarter. The Arcs quickly answered with a touchdown and two point conversion of their own to make the score 22-8. The teams then traded touchdowns to make the score 29-15 at halftime.
Padua narrowed the lead to seven points in the third quarter to make the score 29-22 and forced a fourth down and goal on the Bruins one yard line. However, the Arcs went for it on fourth and goal and scored a touchdown to extend their lead to 14 points. The Arcs held onto the lead for the rest of the game, as the final score was 36-22.
After leading Brush last season to back to back conference championships (after a conference championship drought since 1983), Coach Josh Wells has his sights set on the playoffs in 2013. It should be an exciting season for the Arcs. In addition to the upcoming games, the home schedule includes the first ever promotional giveaway schedule, featuring magnet schedules, rally towels, t-shirts, seat cushions, Arc foam fingers and sling bags. Don’t miss the home opener on September 6th against Lakeside, where the first 1,000 Brush fans will receive a magnetic schedule.
With 13 returning starters, 32 returning lettermen and plenty of size and experience on both sides of the line, the Arcs should challenge for a spot in the postseason.
Wells, in his first year at the helm, directed the Arcs to an unbeaten record in the Northeast Ohio Conference Lake Division. He was one of six coaches honored as coach of the year by the Greater Cleveland Football coaches Association in 2012.
With a full off-season under his belt, Wells says the Arcs are more prepared this year to perform on the field, since they had a full off-season in the weight room.
In the Sun News preview of the team, the team is reported to have a good mix of strength and experience on the offensive and defensive lines. In addition, the quarterback and returning skill positions have speed and toughness.