"Federal League Tough, Federal League Physical.": Dropped passes and a failed 2-point conversion seal Hoover’s fate against Green in Federal League opener
Hoover Keeps It Close Despite Missing QB1; Koskovich’s field goals and Collins’ legs keep the Vikings in the game
Final: Green (3-1, 1-0) 21, Hoover (2-2, 0-1) 19
Green pulled the rug out from under Hoover's feet on Friday.
Since before the season started, Green's biggest hurdle was that they didn't know when their All-Ohioan piece Antonio Martin would exactly be back. Reports from various outlets said their golden ticket was week-to-week, but Green head coach Mark Geis would never elaborate further on his status. In fact, Martin didn't even suit up for the team during their warmup routine before Green's Federal League opener against Hoover. But with a sneaky demeanor, Martin took the field with the Bulldogs; entering behind every other player, he appeared in front of Hoover coaching staff on their turf.
“It was time, the doctors cleared him. Just the presence of him in full pads, I wish everyone in the world could feel that kind of love and enthusiasm for your own team.” Geis said.
Martin made an immediate impact in Green's 21-19 win. He caught a 34-yard touchdown pass on fourth down to open the scoring.
Hoover responded with a 34-yard field goal by senior Paul Koskovich early in the second quarter, cutting the lead to 7-3. Hoover, missing their starting quarterback senior Zac Braucher, started junior John Collins. Collins threw the ball just one or two times in the first quarter. In fact, he didn’t have 75 total passing yards after all four quarters.
He ran for two touchdowns against Green, the only two touchdowns Hoover would have all night. His feet earned Hoover a touchdown late in the first half and put them in front to end act 1. There’s still another act after intermission, though; Green would come back firing in the second half.
Evan Reed, a Green junior, had a 59-yard receiving touchdown just three minutes into the third quarter. Tyson Hunka then dropped it off to senior Anthony Fortunato, where Fortunato took it 46 yards to the house to make it 21-7 with around six minutes to go in the third quarter.
It would be scoreless until Hoover had a perfect opportunity with eight minutes left in the game.
A long touchdown pass for Hoover was dropped, then the Vikings turned the ball over on downs at the Green 28-yard line. Green fumbled in the subsequent drive, and Hoover were able to grab a field goal. 21-13, Hoover’s ball. The Vikings ran, quite literally, to get themselves a touchdown with five seconds left in the game; however, they were stuffed in the 2-point conversion by Green and ended just two points short of an overtime.
Both teams had quite the opposite approach on offense. Hoover senior AJ Dolph was the Vikings’ other utility piece against Green. He had 144 rushing yards on 23 attempts. Hoover had 250 total rushing yards and 62 passing yards, while Green had 75 rushing yards and 260 passing yards; both teams had a dual-threat quarterback at their disposal, and they both decided to utilize them in the complete opposite way.
Physicality was also going to play a big role for both teams.
“We knew it was going to be Federal League football, Federal League physical, Federal League toughness, and it was going to be required.” Geis said.
Green still walked out of North Canton Memorial Stadium with few scuffs, and now find themselves 3-1 on the season.
Key takeaways
Martin is back, what’s next?
Martin played strictly offense with the exception of his DB work in the fourth quarter. With Martin back, Geis’s squad have more possibilities than ever to take advantage of opponents offensively; the 6’ senior racked up six interceptions, 977 total yards, and 12 touchdowns across rushing and receiving in 2023. His first-quarter touchdown reception could be a preview of what's to come from his senior season; the key might be to never leave Martin in single coverage.
“All week we’ve been practicing going through our motions, doing what we have to do. Tyson [Hunka] said, ‘Any time you have a one on one, just know that ball’s going in the air.’ And that’s what happened, I made that play.” Martin said
Martin had six catches for 57 yards.
He also enabled Anthony Fortunato’s burst into the end zone with a powerful block.
The Bulldogs now have a lethal rushing attack across Antonio, junior Anthony McMichael III, and Evan Reed; paired with their passing game, Green now have the tools to do some serious damage to the Federal League.
Anthony Fortunato is not human.
Anthony Fortunato had his best game this season against Hoover; and his impact could be felt on both sides of the ball.
Fortunato had an interception, a crucial catch, and a few deflections for the Bulldogs; the catch mentioned was his only reception, and it was his 46-yard touchdown .
Anthony’s identical twin brother, AJ, is still questionable for the coming weeks. AJ was an All-Ohio honorable mention in 2023, and had 85 solo tackles in his previous campaign.
Green will host Jackson next week for what’s sure to be one to watch.
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