HS Playoff Football: Sperling’s Three Touchdowns Leads Hoban To A 31-14 Regional Final Win Over Hudson

AKRON, OHIO — Life’s three guarantees; Death, taxes, and a regional title for Archbishop Hoban.

After fighting their way to a 14-14 halftime tie, Hoban ran wild in the second half to crush previously undefeated Hudson 31-14 at Dowed Field on Friday night.

Despite the lopsided final score, Hudson played a terrific first half.

The Explorers started the scoring off with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Jacob Paltani to Colin Pierce midway through the opening quarter.

Friday Featured Game 🏈
*Division II, Region 5 Final*

1Q | 6:43
(1) Archbishop Hoban Knights – 0
(3) Hudson Explorers – 7

Hudson strikes first on a 20-yard TD pass from Jacob Paltani to Colin Pierce!@HobanAthletics @HobanFootball @HudsonOHSports @RollHudFootball pic.twitter.com/RuiL72QtVD

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) November 7, 2020

Paltani finished an impressive first half 14-for-15 with 161 yards and a touchdown.

After a Shane Hamm touchdown carry tied the game, Aiden Lal powered into the end zone to give Hudson a 14-7 lead early in the second quarter.

Friday Featured Game 🏈
*Division II, Region 5 Final*

2Q | 9:48
(1) Archbishop Hoban Knights – 7
(3) Hudson Explorers – 14

Hudson’s offense is on 🔥 early! Aiden Lal pushes forward for a 3-yard TD here. 🎥 ⬇️ @HobanAthletics @HobanFootball @HudsonOHSports @RollHudFootball pic.twitter.com/b3e4NTJxGb

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) November 7, 2020

Shortly after, Lamar Sperling picked up his first of three touchdowns on the night to erase the seven point Hoban deficit.

Friday Featured Game 🏈
*Division II, Region 5 Final*

2Q | 3:21
(1) Archbishop Hoban Knights – 14
(3) Hudson Explorers – 14

Lamar Sperling bounces to the outside for an 18-yard Hoban TD. 🎥 ⬇️ @HobanAthletics @HobanFootball @HudsonOHSports @RollHudFootball pic.twitter.com/cJ39Z0f05f

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) November 7, 2020

After a game changing goal line stand to end the first half, Hoban went on to outscore Hudson 17-0 the rest of the game.

Leading 17-14, Sperling ran in another touchdown to extend the Hoban lead to 24-14, this time from 10 yards out.

Friday Featured Game 🏈
*Division II, Region 5 Final*

3Q | 2:24
(1) Archbishop Hoban Knights – 24
(3) Hudson Explorers – 14

Lamar Sperling picks up a 10-yard TD carry to extend the Hoban lead. @HobanAthletics @HobanFootball @HudsonOHSports @RollHudFootball pic.twitter.com/Epgh5BDkeA

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) November 7, 2020

Hoban’s star studded defense was able to contain Paltani in the second half, holding Hudson scoreless in those 24 minutes.

The final blow would come from none other than Sperling, his third touchdown of the night.

Friday Featured Game 🏈
*Division II, Region 5 Final*

4Q | 8:01
(1) Archbishop Hoban Knights – 31
(3) Hudson Explorers – 14

10-yard TD carry for Lamar Sperling, his THIRD of the night! Hoban in control.@HobanAthletics @HobanFootball @HudsonOHSports @RollHudFootball pic.twitter.com/9ugosVketp

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) November 7, 2020

Hoban’s ground attack was one of the most impressive displays of offense this season. Sperling and Victor Dawson combined for 35 carries, 224 yards, and 3 touchdowns.

Have a night, Lamar Sperling!

+ 20 Carries
+ 119 Yards
+ 3 TD
+ 45 Yard Reception
+ 31-14 Win Over Hudson@HobanAthletics @HobanFootball pic.twitter.com/fSctmstYgy

— Northeast Ohio HS Sports (@NEOhsSports) November 7, 2020

Including additional yardage from Hamm and Kharion Davis, Hoban ran for a whopping 317 yards in the game.

Archbishop Hoban improves to 9-0, and will face Avon (10-0) at a site to be determined next Friday. Avon is coming off of a 20-17 victory over crosstown rival Avon Lake.

Box Score

Hoban 7 7 10 7 31

Hudson 7 7 0 0 14

Game Leaders

Archbishop Hoban

Passing: Shane Hamm (5-10, 91 Yards)

Rushing: Lamar Sperling (20 Carries, 119 Yards, 2 TD)

Receiving: Lamar Sperling (1 Reception, 45 Yards)

Hudson

Passing: Jacob Paltani (18-25, 210 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT)

Rushing: Jacob Paltani (20 Carries, 80 Yards)

Receiving: Cade Tonozzi (6 Receptions, 92 Yards)