The Bedford Bearcats defeated the Lorain Titans for their second win of the season Friday night, winning the game 38-0 for their first Lake Erie Conference victory of the year.

The results were probably not unexpected. Lorain (0-4) came into Bearcat stadium having only scored 12 points in their first three games while giving up 123 points according to maxpreps.com. The Bearcats (2-2), on the other hand, had just come off a quality win against Alliance (1-3), and were looking to run their wining streak to two games.

Mark Sellards | The Bedford Tribune Defense backs Tylen Bell (8), Raymell Hester (2), Caleb Hunter (22) and Brandon Williams (5) pursue Lorain running back Xzavier Christian (9) in the first half.

According to an Aug. 6, article by the Chronicle Telegram, Lorain decided not play any games last year because of COVID-19 concerns, and the team is only returning two starters from the 2019 season. They also have new coach, Damon Creel, who was once on the Bedford staff, and spent the last six years as the head coach in Beechwood. Needless to say, it could take a little time for them to get their footing again.

Mark Sellards | The Bedford Tribune Bearcat tight end Ayden Bankston (13) catches a pass as receiver Jaylon Clark (6) follows.

In the meantime, Bedford took care of business. The team ran out to a 38-0 halftime lead before putting their foot on the brakes and starting to play their younger, non-starting players.

Bedford scored on their second series, when senior quarterback Raymell Hester ran the ball in from 14 yards out, capping a drive that started at the Bearcat 35-yard line. The two-point conversion by Hester was also good, and Bedford had the lead 8-0 with 5:05 left in the first quarter.

Mark Sellards | The Bedford Tribune Bedford defenders track down the Loran runner.

The Bearcat defense was very stingy on the night, and allowed the Titans only two yards during their next series before Lorain had to punt. During those downs, senior defensive lineman Leonard Sharp made a beautiful shoestring tackle, and junior linebacker Caleb Hunter followed that up with a nice stop, himself.

Mark Sellards | The Bedford Tribune Defensive back Jaylon Clark (6) keeps his eyes on his defensive responsibility, Lorain receiver Xzavier Christian (9).

Lorain punted and put the Bearcats back on their 25-yard line. On the second play from scrimmage during the series, Hester fumbled the ball, giving the Titans great field position on Bedford’s 30-yard line. But the Bedford defense would not bend. On first down junior defensive lineman Trent Thomas and senior linebacker Torrion Barnes rose up to hold Titan senior running back Xzavier Christian to one yard. On third down, Thomas grabbed senior quarterback Robert Gonzalez for a sack, ending the possible scoring threat by Lorain.

Mark Sellards | The Bedford Tribune Bedford running back Joseph Lymon (3) runs through a hole in the Lorain defense.

Bedford would score again with 7:29 left in the second quarter when Hester hit senior wide receiver Joseph Stokes for 40-plus yard touchdown catch. Another two-point conversion, this time by senior running back Joseph Lymon, made the score 16-0.

Mark Sellards | The Bedford Tribune Bedford quarterback Raymell Hester throws the ball upfield on this play. He is being protected by Isaiah Pettis (54), Dewonn Hodges (50) and Tylen Bell (8) among others.

Two fumbles on the next two possessions by Lorain led to two more Bedford touchdowns. The first fumble gave the ball to the Bearcats at the Lorain 13-yard line. Two plays later, and Lymon took the ball straight into the end zone on a run. This time senior running back Caleb Hunter took the ball in for the conversion.

Mark Sellards | The Bedford Tribune Tylen Bell (8), Leonard Sharp (51), Justice Williams (57) and Isaiah Pettis (54) get ready for the next play.

The second fumble was a very odd play indeed. Bedford kicked off after their score, and the Lorain player returning the kick fielded it cleanly. He took off running, but then, without being hit, he bobbled the ball and coughed it up right into Bedford senior defensive back Malik Baker’s arms. Baker ran the ball into the end zone, and after another two-point conversion, Bedford led 32-0.

Mark Sellards | The Bedford Tribune Bedford’s drum major Austin Luke leads the band as many of the members play in the background

Bedford’s final score came with around three minutes left in the first half, when Hester threw and 86-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Jaylon Clark. The extra-point try was partially blocked, and Bedford went into the half ahead 38-0, and that score stood until the end of the game.

Mark Sellards | The Bedford Tribune The percussion section of the band shows its skills during the halftime program.

Bedford’s next opponent with be the Red Raiders from Shaker Heights (0-4). Bedford overcame a tight battle with Shaker last year 21-16. Even though the Red Raiders have not had a victory this season, they have had many close contests. According to maxpreps.com they have lost to GlenOak 31-22, Solon 33-20, Dublin Jerome 24-20, and Waubonsie Valley 23-19. So, they could be itching for their first victory on Friday night in Bedford.

Lake Conference Scores and Standings Week 4 (maxpreps.com):
Maple Hts. 48, Shaw 0
Cleveland Hts. 42, Buchtel 7
Waubonsie Valley 23, Shaker Hts. 19
Garfield Heights 21, Cleveland Central Catholic 14

Team Standings, Total, Conference Total
Cleveland Heights, 4-0, 1-0
Maple Heights, 2-1, 1-0
Bedford, 2-2, 1-0
Shaw, 1-3, 0-1
Garfield Heights, 1-3, 0-1
Shaker Heights, 0-4, 0-0
Lorain, 0-4, 0-1