The McKinley Bulldogs are eager to bounce back from a tough end to the regular season as they kick off their postseason run. After a Week 10 loss to rival Massillon, the fifth-seeded Bulldogs (6-4) host the 12th-seeded Parma Normandy Invaders (3-7) in a Division I, Region 1 first-round matchup. The Bulldogs will look to snap a two-game losing streak and advance to the regional quarterfinals.

Bulldogs Primed for Playoff Redemption

Dominant First Half Propels Bulldogs

The McKinley Bulldogs wasted no time asserting their dominance, putting together a strong first-half performance to take a commanding 35-7 lead into the break. Senior running back Jamar Johnson led the charge, finding the end zone twice, while quarterback Kam Montgomery added a touchdown run and a touchdown pass to Dante McClellan. The Bulldogs' offense was firing on all cylinders, outgaining the Invaders 168-114 in total yards and holding a 9-8 advantage in first downs.

Montgomery Extends Bulldogs' Lead

The Bulldogs continued to pull away in the second quarter, as Montgomery found the end zone on a 2-yard touchdown run to push the lead to 35-7 with 2:24 remaining in the first half. Earlier in the quarter, Montgomery had connected with McClellan on a 40-yard touchdown pass, further extending the Bulldogs' advantage.

Hill Touchdown Increases Bulldogs' Cushion

Nino Hill, a Buffalo recruit, added to the Bulldogs' lead with a 27-yard touchdown run, making the score 21-7 with 7:44 left in the second quarter. The Bulldogs' offense was firing on all cylinders, driving 44 yards in just six plays to find the end zone.

Bulldogs Dominate First Quarter

The Bulldogs wasted no time in taking control of the game, as Jamar Johnson found the end zone on a 6-yard touchdown run to give McKinley a 7-0 lead with 6:22 remaining in the first quarter. The Bulldogs' offense marched 80 yards in eight plays to open the scoring. However, the Invaders responded with an 80-yard, nine-play drive capped off by a 2-yard touchdown run from Elijah Gray, tying the game at 7-7.

Johnson Regains Lead for Bulldogs

Johnson quickly reclaimed the lead for the Bulldogs, scoring on a 17-yard touchdown run with 50 seconds left in the first quarter. The senior running back's second touchdown of the night gave McKinley a 14-7 advantage, and he had already amassed 94 yards on 10 carries.

Bulldogs Advance to Regional Quarterfinals

The winner of the McKinley-Normandy matchup will advance to the regional quarterfinals in Division I, where they will face the winner of the Jackson-Brunswick game. Jackson, the fourth seed, would host the game if they emerge victorious, while Brunswick, the 13th seed, would be the visiting team.