​ Game and Prospects Recap from Romeo and Dakota (Story)

This highly anticipated matchup lived up to the billing as both defenses stepped up big-time to make plays. Romeo won 14-10 and forced Dakota to turn the ball over on downs in the final minute.

We'll break down top performances below:

Romeo:

2022 S/RB Joey Kostrubiec - 5'10 190 who had some big runs on offense, often picking up yards after contact. He capped a 9 minute 16 seconds drive with a 6-yard TD run on their opening possession. Was solid at Safety which is where he's been recruiting to play.

2024 OLB/RB Victor Earl - Was a force all night for Romeo coming off the edge and making life tough for Dakota. He had several TFL's, nearly had a pick-six, and helped force 2 fumbles, 1 which was recovered.

2022 DT/OT Douglas Malcolm - 6'5 309 lbs was a constant force all night and found himself in on several tackles throughout the night.

2023 WR/CB Santino Palazzolo - Had a touchdown called back for an apparent illegal motion that saw him making a tough catch across the middle, made 2 players miss before he outran the defense to the sideline for a TD.

2022 QB/S Logan Rolfs - Had a very good game when at Safety with some nice reads and instincts. At quarterback, he made some nice throws on the run and was keeping plays alive. His TD pass featured him dodging pressure before throwing up a pass to a wide-open receiver.

2023 MLB/RB Anthony Lomakoski - Big game on both sides of the ball, very responsible for Dakota being unable to make big plays. He was in on many tackles and pursued well on the sideline. Had some big-time blocks late in the game on offense to help seal their win.

2022 WR/CB Brady Goralski - Had several key catches throughout the game to help move the sticks and a touchdown in which he slipped behind the defense. He was good in coverage at CB through the game as well.

2022 S Caleb Youngblood - Stepped up to deliver a big-time performance. Just how Earl, was in on the 2 forced fumbles, so was Youngblood. He came down to make some nice tackles near the line of scrimmage and in the open field.

2023 CB Giorgio Ruffino - Very solid game that saw him make a key TFL while Dakota was deep in their redzone and he had a nice hustle play on Dakota's lone touchdown that he stripped loose the ball, but the Cougars recovered it anyways. Strong in coverage all night too.

2023 OLB Mark Goedge - Had a huge game constantly forcing pressure on Dakota and was responsible for an Intentional Grounding on their final drive which helped seal their win. Otherwise, throughout the game, he was in on many tackles around the line of scrimmage.

2022 DE Lucas Gaborek - Was in on many tackles throughout the game around the line of scrimmage. Had a QB pressure on their final defensive play of the game which forced a pass in double coverage that fell incomplete.

2022 RB Cam Kohl - Strong downhill runner, who constantly picked up yardage.

2022 LB Luca Mennillo - Had a strong game who was in on big tackles through the night and had a key sack in the 3rd quarter.

2023 CB Kahlil McLeod - Had a good game in coverage and didn't give opposing receivers any room to work with. Also had what was likely a touchdown-saving tackle.

2022 OG/OT/DT/DE Cole Tinson - Had some nice pull blocks and was regularly down-field blocking.

2023 OT/OG/OC Nathan Joseph - The Bulldogs LT was outstanding through the night and played a big role in the offense having success for most of the night.

2024 OC Dan Albert - Did well snapping and was very effective blocking through the game vs. a pretty experienced defensive line of Dakota.

Dakota:

2022 S Aidan Mata - Easily Dakota's best overall player on Friday who played a major role and rarely took a play off. Mata had a key interception, was in on several solo tackles, had some nice runs as their primary RB, and he also had 2 punts of 60 yards and 65 yards which were tremendous plays during the game.

2023 OLB Calvin Watson - 6'1 200 lbs prospect who will surely draw a lot of attention from colleges. He was a tackling machine on Friday with over 10 tackles, he gets to the ball quickly and was a sure-tackler.

2023 TE Quest Williams - Was their most dangerous offensive weapon as the 6'2 230 lbs Williams was constantly getting open and making catches. His touchdown catch showed him slipping by the LB's, making a tough catch, and running in for the score.

2022 CB Keyone Nixon - The Akron PWO commit picked up an offer from FCS school, Morgan State during the afternoon of the game and had some nice coverage and tackles.

2022 OT/OG Cooper Phillips - Grand Valley State commit did well at LT and had key blocks on their big offensive plays.

2022 OC/OG Riley Smalarz - The Northern Michigan commit had his share of good moments at RT.

2023 WR Alan Browning - Stepped up and made some key catches late in the game. The 6'3 170 lbs receiver got behind the defense late in the game in the endzone, but was slightly overthrown.

2022 DT Jayden Giles - Very active DL who was in on a lot of tackles and always seemed to be around the ball.

2023 WR Corey Royster - An absolute speedster who showed at times how dangerous he can be. He explodes once gets the ball in his hands.

2022 DT/DE Luke Wheeler - High-motored prospect at 6' 255 who as expected was constantly in the backfield and made a ton of plays.

2023 DE Anthony Coleman - Was in on tons of plays and stepped up big-time late in the game. He had a crucial sack late in the game and later was rewarded for his efforts by recovering a Romeo fumble deep in their territory.

2023 OG Joey Pruchnic - 6'4 280 who moves well for his size and did well on Friday.

2022 LB Gavin Moore - Instinctive LB who was in on several tackles during the game including a nice TFL early in the game.

2023 DE/DT Michael Pittiglio - An upcoming prospect at 6'4 230 who was often double-teamed and showed bits and pieces of his skill set and what he's capable of.

2023 WR Owen Colpaert - Dual-sport athlete who definitely looks the part of his listed 6'3 200 lbs. He was limited to 1 catch on Friday and will certainly bounce back from here.

2023 OG Bo Wheeler - 6'2 260 who looked good at LG and certainly will be a player who gets some attention these next 2 years.

2022 DB Nico Vitale - Really good cover corner who is quick to react and break on routes - we said that before the game and saw it on Friday despite him playing with a cast on.