Rootstown brings comeback-tested formula into Independence

One team enters Friday night knowing it can survive a difficult start.

The other is determined to make sure one difficult night does not define its season.

• More From OhioVarsity.com: 2026 Football: Week 2 Previews and What to Know

Rootstown Football visits Independence Football at 7 p.m. Friday in a matchup between two teams coming out of dramatically different season openers.

Rootstown erased a 13-point halftime deficit to win at Southeast, 14-13. Independence returns home after suffering a 56-7 loss at Columbia.

Week 1 provided contrasting results, but Friday’s matchup could be decided by something both teams value: controlling the football, winning the battle up front, and forcing the opponent to operate on a long field.

Rootstown turns field position into victory

Rootstown Football coach Tom Hannan regularly preaches an “80-60” philosophy.

The Rovers want opponents to drive 80 yards while positioning their own offense to travel 60 or fewer. Rootstown executed that plan almost perfectly during its second-half comeback at Southeast.

Both of Rootstown’s touchdown possessions began deep in Pirates territory.

Sophomore Grayson Rantilla intercepted a pass and returned it to the Southeast 4-yard line, setting up a 1-yard touchdown run by Blake Mullaly.

Later, Max McEwuen fielded a punt at the Southeast 45, made the first defender miss and returned it to the 26. Two plays later, Ayden Moyer scored on a 15-yard run to tie the game.

Mullaly’s extra point gave Rootstown its first lead with 7:21 remaining.

The senior quarterback then helped preserve it from the secondary, breaking up a fourth-down pass with less than a minute left.

Mullaly finished with a team-high 71 rushing yards on 10 carries, scored a touchdown, kicked both extra points and made the game-sealing defensive play. It was precisely the type of all-around performance Rootstown expects from its third-year starting quarterback.

Blue Devils look to regain control

Independence entered its opener at Columbia hoping to establish the run, control the clock, and protect sophomore quarterback Matthew Avila in his first game as the unquestioned starter.

The 56-7 final suggests the Blue Devils never found the type of game they wanted.

Their challenge Friday begins with ensuring that one rough opener does not become two.

Coach Matt Burns has several experienced pieces around Avila. Junior running backs Mace Durden and Lucas Mlynarczyk can help Independence establish the ground game, while Ryan Suhy and Bobby Jackson give Avila options in the quick passing attack.

The Blue Devils also returned three starting offensive linemen in Jeremy Jacob, Nick Spencer, and Nick Tsevdos. That experience must show against a Rootstown front built to wear down opponents.

The priority is straightforward: give Avila manageable situations, avoid the negative plays that end drives, and keep Rootstown from repeatedly taking possession on a short field.

Rovers bring size to the trenches

Rootstown’s greatest physical advantage may be its size.

Junior Chase Moyer is a third-year starter at 6-foot-4 and 290 pounds. Rylan Campbell adds another 275-pound presence, while Luke Rogan returns at center and Devin Wright provides experience at guard.

That size allows Rootstown to remain patient offensively. The Rovers do not need Mullaly to throw on every critical down. They can lean on Kiel Reuting,  Moyer and Jackson DeAngelis while creating opportunities for Mullaly and McEwuen in space.

The same personnel gives Rootstown a potentially disruptive defensive front.

Peyton Simms recorded 10 tackles for loss, four sacks and three forced fumbles in only five-and-a-half games last season before suffering a torn ACL. Now healthy, the senior gives the Rovers a defender capable of wrecking a possession before it develops.

Campbell, Moyer and Aiden Long add depth and strength around him.

That creates a significant test for an Independence offensive line that includes three experienced juniors but also starts freshman Jack Fortesque and sophomore Matthew Masalanka.

Independence must establish its defense early

The Blue Devils cannot afford to spend Friday night defending short fields.

Levi Sears gives Independence a proven playmaker at defensive end, while Spencer and Durden are positioned to make plays from the linebacker level. That group’s ability to slow Rootstown on early downs will determine how much of Hannan’s playbook remains available.

Rootstown completed its Week 1 comeback without producing a long touchdown drive. Its two scoring possessions covered a combined 30 yards.

That is both encouraging for the Rovers and instructive for the Blue Devils.

Rootstown showed it can turn one defensive play or one strong return into points. Independence must force the Rovers to prove they can consistently sustain drives across the entire field.

A turnover, a poor punt or a coverage breakdown could give Mullaly and the Rootstown offense exactly the opening they used to defeat Southeast.

A series without an advantage

Neither program owns a historical edge in the matchup.

Rootstown and Independence are tied, 2-2-1, in five recorded meetings since 1972.

Friday’s game also presents an early measuring stick for two programs attempting to move forward after missing the postseason in 2025.

The Rovers went 6-4 but lost four of their final five games after a 5-0 start. Their comeback at Southeast showed an experienced team capable of staying composed when the game turned against it.

The Blue Devils finished 3-7 last season but closed by winning three of their final four games. Their response to the Columbia loss will reveal whether that late-season progress carried into Burns’ second year.

The path to victory

Rootstown’s path is familiar.

The Rovers want to establish their physical advantage, make Independence drive the length of the field and allow Mullaly’s versatility to turn small openings into points.

Independence’s path is narrower, but it is clear.

The Blue Devils must protect Avila, create production on first down, and prevent Rootstown’s defense and special teams from dictating field position. If Independence can avoid early damage and keep the game within one possession entering the second half, pressure could begin shifting toward the visitors.

Rootstown has already demonstrated that it can win a close game.

Friday night, Independence must show how quickly it can recover from one that never was.

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Rootstown

Football Game CenterRootstown at Independence2026-2027 season

Independence

August 28, 2026 • 7:00 PMIndependence

Rootstown 5-5 • Independence 6-5

Rootstown at Independence

Matchup2026-2027 season

FACEBOOKCOPY LINKPRINT GAME NOTES

Individual Game

Box Score

FINALRootstown 14 • Independence 31

Independence Game Stats

Passing

# ↕	Player ↕	CMP ↕	ATT ↕	PCT ↕	YDS ↕	AVG ↕	INT ↕	QB RTG ↕
10	Matthew Avila	14	20	70.0%	156	11.1	1	72.1

Rushing

# ↕	Player ↕	ATT ↕	YDS ↕	AVG ↕	LONG ↕	TD ↕
33	Maverick Durden	15	93	6.2	57	1
8	Levi Sears	7	25	3.6	0	2
1	Lucas Mlynarczyk	3	25	8.3	0	0
4	Mace Durden	3	21	7.0	0	1

Receiving

# ↕	Player ↕	REC ↕	YDS ↕	AVG ↕	LONG ↕
8	Levi Sears	5	67	13.4	0
6	Bobby Jackson	1	32	32.0	0
9	Shane Korinek	3	29	9.7	0
12	Ryan Suhy	1	13	13.0	0
33	Maverick Durden	3	12	4.0	0
1	Lucas Mlynarczyk	1	5	5.0	5

All-Purpose Yards

# ↕	Player ↕	RUSH ↕	REC ↕	KR ↕	PR ↕	TOTAL ↕
33	Maverick Durden	93	12	0	0	105
8	Levi Sears	25	67	0	0	92
6	Bobby Jackson	0	32	0	0	32
1	Lucas Mlynarczyk	25	5	0	0	30
9	Shane Korinek	0	29	0	0	29
4	Mace Durden	21	0	0	0	21
12	Ryan Suhy	0	13	0	0	13

Total Yards

# ↕	Player ↕	RUSH ↕	PASS ↕	REC ↕	TOTAL ↕
10	Matthew Avila	0	156	0	156
33	Maverick Durden	93	0	12	105
8	Levi Sears	25	0	67	92
6	Bobby Jackson	0	0	32	32
1	Lucas Mlynarczyk	25	0	5	30
9	Shane Korinek	0	0	29	29
4	Mace Durden	21	0	0	21
12	Ryan Suhy	0	0	13	13

Tackles

# ↕	Player ↕	SOLO ↕	AST ↕	TOTAL ↕	TFL ↕	SACK ↕
52	Nicolas Spencer	10.0	2.0	12.0	3.0	1.0
8	Levi Sears	6.0	2.0	8.0	2.0	2.0
2	Devin Howatt	2.0	5.0	7.0	0.0	0.0
12	Ryan Suhy	4.0	3.0	7.0	0.0	2.0
1	Lucas Mlynarczyk	2.0	4.0	6.0	0.0	0.0
33	Maverick Durden	5.0	1.0	6.0	2.0	1.0
9	Shane Korinek	3.0	2.0	5.0	0.0	3.0
6	Bobby Jackson	0.0	4.0	4.0	0.0	0.0
53	Jeremy Jacob	2.0	2.0	4.0	0.0	1.0
4	Mace Durden	1.0	1.0	2.0	0.0	1.0
3	David DiGeronimo	1.0	0.0	1.0	0.0	0.0
14	Nolan Mandfredonia	1.0	0.0	1.0	0.0	0.0
7	Owen Malone	0.0	1.0	1.0	0.0	0.0

Sacks

# ↕	Player ↕	SACK ↕	YDL ↕	HUR ↕	TACK ↕	TFL ↕
13	Jackson Scarcella	4.0	4.0	1.0	0.0	0.0
9	Shane Korinek	3.0	62.0	20.7	5.0	0.0
8	Levi Sears	2.0	12.0	0.0	8.0	2.0
12	Ryan Suhy	2.0	45.0	22.5	7.0	0.0
53	Jeremy Jacob	1.0	0.0	0.0	4.0	0.0
4	Mace Durden	1.0	6.0	0.0	2.0	0.0
33	Maverick Durden	1.0	6.0	0.0	6.0	2.0
52	Nicolas Spencer	1.0	0.0	2.0	12.0	3.0

Ohio Varsity Matchup Predictor™

Win Probability

Powered by the OV Sports Engine

High data confidence

Rootstown32%

Independence68%

Recent head-to-head: IndependenceProgram strength: IndependenceHome field: IndependenceAll-time series: Independence

Projected Score

Rootstown

21

–

Independence

25

OV Power Rating12.6 / 11.7Rootstown / Independence

Momentum MeterHot / SteadyLast 3: 2-1 / 2-1

Strength of Schedule38 / 42Light / Average

Game Quality Index43/100Standard matchup

Upset AlertLOWRootstown has 32% model probability

Why the Predictor Favors Independence

Independence carries a 68% modeled win probability because Recent head-to-head favors Independence; Program strength favors Independence; Home field favors Independence. The model refreshes as new results are entered.

Recent head-to-headIndependence

Program strengthIndependence

Home fieldIndependence

All-time seriesIndependence

Current seasonEven

The Ohio Varsity Matchup Predictor™ uses the previous three seasons as an early program-strength baseline, then shifts weight toward current-season record and PF/PA as results accumulate. Recent head-to-head results, strength of schedule, momentum and the longer recorded series provide additional context. An unfollowed team's missing data remains neutral instead of erasing known information about its opponent. Home field receives a small adjustment. Predicted score and win probability are editorial estimates, not betting lines.

Since 1972

Historical Notes

Automatically generated from recorded football history • See an inaccuracy? Please report it.

Independence Win

• Independence is now 79-3 when scoring 31-40 points since 1972.

Other Statistical Notes

• This is the 6th recorded meeting between Rootstown and Independence since 1972.
• Series: Rootstown is 2-3-1 against Independence since 1972; average score 12.3-12.0.
• Rootstown's largest recorded win in the series: Sep. 16, 1977 • 21-0.
• Highest-scoring meeting: Aug. 28, 2026 • 14-31.
• Series shutouts since 1972: Rootstown 2, Independence 1.

Program Milestones

• Rootstown has recorded 78 shutouts since 1972; the most recent was Sep. 5, 2025.
• Rootstown has scored 40+ points 55 times since 1972 (most recently Sep. 19, 2025).
• The program has reached 50+ points 13 times since 1972 (most recently Sep. 23, 2022).
• Independence has recorded 87 shutouts since 1972; the most recent was Oct. 17, 2025.
• Independence has scored 40+ points 78 times since 1972 (most recently Oct. 4, 2024).
• The program has reached 50+ points 21 times since 1972 (most recently Oct. 13, 2017).

Record by Points Scored

Program record in games falling within each scoring range.

Rootstown scoring history

0-1019-183-1203 games

11-2057-87-2146 games

21-3077-23100 games

31-4048-250 games

41+53-154 games

Independence scoring history

0-1019-152-4175 games

11-2063-63-3129 games

21-3074-2094 games

31-4079-382 games

41+73-073 games

Explore Rootstown Football Almanac →•Explore Independence Football Almanac →

Rootstown Results vs. Independence

Date	Location	Score
Aug. 28, 2026	Independence	Rootstown L 14-31
Oct. 13, 1978	—	Rootstown T 14-14
Sep. 16, 1977	—	Rootstown W 21-0
Sep. 17, 1976	—	Rootstown W 13-0
Sep. 28, 1973	—	Rootstown L 0-13
Sep. 29, 1972	—	Rootstown L 12-14

Historical Data: Series records shown here cover 1972 through the latest imported season. Earlier meetings may not be included.

Season Leaders

Top Performers

Rootstown

Top Passer

Blake Mullaly

52 YDS • 4-7

Top Rusher

Blake Mullaly

63 YDS • 10 ATT • 1 TD

Top Receiver

Maxwell McEwuen

21 YDS • 2 REC

Independence

Top Passer

Matthew Avila

998 YDS • 91-151 • 8 TD • 3 INT

Top Rusher

Maverick Durden

724 YDS • 118 ATT • 10 TD

Top Receiver

Ryan Suhy

183 YDS • 14 REC • 2 TD

Rootstown Series Record2-3-16 recorded meetings vs. Independence

Rootstown Win Percentage.417recorded series vs. Independence

Rootstown — Last 5 vs. Independence

Aug. 28, 2026Independence

Rootstown L 14-31

Oct. 13, 1978Location not recorded

Rootstown T 14-14

Sep. 16, 1977Location not recorded

Rootstown W 21-0

Sep. 17, 1976Location not recorded

Rootstown W 13-0

Sep. 28, 1973Location not recorded

Rootstown L 0-13

Rootstown vs. Independence Series Notes

Latest meeting: Aug. 28, 2026 • Rootstown L 14-31

First recorded meeting: Sep. 29, 1972

Rootstown longest winning streak: W 2

Independence longest winning streak: W 2

Largest Rootstown win: Sep. 16, 1977 • 21-0

Highest-scoring game: Aug. 28, 2026 • 14-31

Closest game: Oct. 13, 1978 • 14-14

Average score: Rootstown 12.3 • Independence 12.0

Season Totals

Team Stats

Stat Category	Rootstown	Independence
Passing
Yards	52	1002
Comp-Att	5-9	92-152
Comp %	55.6%	60.5%
Yards/Att	5.8	6.6
TD / INT	0 / 0	9 / 3
Rushing
Yards	210	1367
Attempts	32	251
Yards/Carry	6.6	5.4
Touchdowns	2	16
Receiving
Yards	16	962
Receptions	5	87
Yards/Catch	3.2	11.1
Touchdowns	100	31
Defense
Tackles	0	121
Sacks	0	19
Interceptions	0	0

Season Statbooks

Player Stats

Rootstown Stats (2026-2027)

Passing

# ↕	Player ↕	CMP ↕	ATT ↕	PCT ↕	YDS ↕	Y/G ↕	TD ↕	INT ↕	LONG ↕	QB RTG ↕
1	Blake Mullaly	4	7	57.1%	52	52.0	0	0	0	80.7

Rushing

# ↕	Player ↕	ATT ↕	YDS ↕	AVG ↕	Y/G ↕	LONG ↕	TD ↕
1	Blake Mullaly	10	63	6.3	63.0	0	1
22	Maxwell McEwuen	6	50	8.3	50.0	0	0
18	Carson Saltsman	5	30	6.0	12.0	0	0
8	Tyler West	2	16	8.0	16.0	0	0
14	Ayden Moyer	2	15	7.5	15.0	0	1
26	Andrew Lingo	2	14	7.0	11.0	0	0
0	Kiel Reuting	1	13	13.0	13.0	0	0
2	Grayson Rantilla	2	6	3.0	6.0	0	0
7	Doug Nichols	1	3	3.0	3.0	0	0

Receiving

# ↕	Player ↕	REC ↕	YDS ↕	AVG ↕	Y/G ↕	LONG ↕	TD ↕
22	Maxwell McEwuen	2	21	10.5	21.0	0	0
0	Kiel Reuting	1	8	8.0	8.0	0	0

All-Purpose Yards

# ↕	Player ↕	RUSH ↕	REC ↕	KR ↕	PR ↕	IR ↕	TOTAL ↕	Y/G ↕
22	Maxwell McEwuen	50	21	0	0	0	71	71.0
1	Blake Mullaly	63	0	0	0	0	63	63.0
18	Carson Saltsman	30	0	0	0	0	30	6.0
0	Kiel Reuting	13	8	0	0	0	21	21.0
8	Tyler West	16	0	0	0	0	16	16.0
14	Ayden Moyer	15	0	0	0	0	15	15.0
26	Andrew Lingo	14	0	0	0	0	14	14.0
2	Grayson Rantilla	6	0	0	0	0	6	6.0
7	Doug Nichols	3	0	0	0	0	3	3.0

Total Yards

# ↕	Player ↕	RUSH ↕	PASS ↕	REC ↕	TOTAL ↕	Y/G ↕
1	Blake Mullaly	63	52	0	115	115.0
22	Maxwell McEwuen	50	0	21	71	71.0
18	Carson Saltsman	30	0	0	30	6.0
0	Kiel Reuting	13	0	8	21	21.0
8	Tyler West	16	0	0	16	16.0
14	Ayden Moyer	15	0	0	15	15.0
26	Andrew Lingo	14	0	0	14	14.0
2	Grayson Rantilla	6	0	0	6	6.0
7	Doug Nichols	3	0	0	3	3.0

Independence Stats (2026-2027)

Passing

# ↕	Player ↕	CMP ↕	ATT ↕	PCT ↕	YDS ↕	Y/G ↕	TD ↕	INT ↕	LONG ↕	QB RTG ↕
10	Matthew Avila	91	151	60.3%	998	99.8	8	3	0	89.2
8	Levi Sears	1	1	100.0%	4	0.6	1	0	0	141.7

Rushing

# ↕	Player ↕	ATT ↕	YDS ↕	AVG ↕	Y/G ↕	LONG ↕	TD ↕
33	Maverick Durden	118	724	6.1	80.4	57	10
4	Mace Durden	74	339	4.6	33.9	0	1
8	Levi Sears	38	228	6.0	32.6	0	5
1	Lucas Mlynarczyk	14	38	2.7	3.8	1	0
10	Matthew Avila	5	23	4.6	2.3	0	0
12	Ryan Suhy	1	8	8.0	0.8	0	0
6	Bobby Jackson	1	7	7.0	0.7	0	0

Receiving

# ↕	Player ↕	REC ↕	YDS ↕	AVG ↕	Y/G ↕	LONG ↕	TD ↕
12	Ryan Suhy	14	183	13.1	18.3	0	2
6	Bobby Jackson	8	156	19.5	15.6	31	2
9	Shane Korinek	18	146	8.1	16.2	0	1
7	Owen Malone	9	143	15.9	15.9	0	2
33	Maverick Durden	13	119	9.2	13.2	0	0
8	Levi Sears	13	118	9.1	16.9	0	1
4	Mace Durden	4	32	8.0	3.2	15	0
2	Devin Howatt	3	26	8.7	2.9	14	0
5	Dominic DiGeronimo	2	24	12.0	3.4	0	0
1	Lucas Mlynarczyk	2	14	7.0	1.4	9	0
21	Alex Barry	1	1	1.0	0.3	0	0

All-Purpose Yards

# ↕	Player ↕	RUSH ↕	REC ↕	KR ↕	PR ↕	IR ↕	TOTAL ↕	Y/G ↕
33	Maverick Durden	724	119	0	0	0	843	84.3
4	Mace Durden	339	32	0	0	0	371	33.7
8	Levi Sears	228	118	0	0	0	346	49.4
12	Ryan Suhy	8	183	0	0	0	191	17.4
6	Bobby Jackson	7	156	0	0	0	163	14.8
9	Shane Korinek	0	146	0	0	0	146	14.6
7	Owen Malone	0	143	0	0	0	143	14.3
1	Lucas Mlynarczyk	38	14	0	0	0	52	4.7
2	Devin Howatt	0	26	0	0	0	26	2.6
5	Dominic DiGeronimo	0	24	0	0	0	24	3.0
10	Matthew Avila	23	0	0	0	0	23	2.3
21	Alex Barry	0	1	0	0	0	1	0.3

Total Yards

# ↕	Player ↕	RUSH ↕	PASS ↕	REC ↕	TOTAL ↕	Y/G ↕
10	Matthew Avila	23	998	0	1,021	102.1
33	Maverick Durden	724	0	119	843	93.7
4	Mace Durden	339	0	32	371	37.1
8	Levi Sears	228	4	118	350	50.0
12	Ryan Suhy	8	0	183	191	19.1
6	Bobby Jackson	7	0	156	163	16.3
9	Shane Korinek	0	0	146	146	16.2
7	Owen Malone	0	0	143	143	15.9
1	Lucas Mlynarczyk	38	0	14	52	5.2
2	Devin Howatt	0	0	26	26	2.9
5	Dominic DiGeronimo	0	0	24	24	3.4
21	Alex Barry	0	0	1	1	0.3

Tackles

# ↕	Player ↕	SOLO ↕	AST ↕	TOTAL ↕	TFL ↕	SACK ↕
52	Nicolas Spencer	20.0	6.0	26.0	3.0	1.0
2	Devin Howatt	4.0	9.0	13.0	0.0	0.0
8	Levi Sears	8.0	4.0	12.0	2.0	2.0
53	Jeremy Jacob	4.0	6.0	10.0	0.0	1.0
12	Ryan Suhy	6.0	3.0	9.0	0.0	5.0
6	Bobby Jackson	3.0	5.0	8.0	0.0	0.0
1	Lucas Mlynarczyk	2.0	6.0	8.0	0.0	0.0
4	Mace Durden	3.0	4.0	7.0	0.0	1.0
33	Maverick Durden	5.0	1.0	6.0	2.0	1.0
21	Alex Barry	1.0	4.0	5.0	0.0	0.0
9	Shane Korinek	3.0	2.0	5.0	0.0	3.0
50	Matthew Masalanka	2.0	2.0	4.0	0.0	0.0
7	Owen Malone	2.0	2.0	4.0	0.0	0.0
55	Jack Fortesque	0.0	2.0	2.0	0.0	0.0
3	David DiGeronimo	1.0	0.0	1.0	0.0	0.0
14	Nolan Mandfredonia	1.0	0.0	1.0	0.0	0.0

Sacks

# ↕	Player ↕	SACK ↕	YDL ↕	HUR ↕	TACK ↕	TFL ↕
13	Jackson Scarcella	5.0	5.0	2.0	0.0	0.0
12	Ryan Suhy	5.0	110.0	44.2	9.0	0.0
9	Shane Korinek	3.0	62.0	20.7	5.0	0.0
8	Levi Sears	2.0	12.0	0.0	12.0	2.0
53	Jeremy Jacob	1.0	0.0	0.0	10.0	0.0
4	Mace Durden	1.0	6.0	0.0	7.0	0.0
33	Maverick Durden	1.0	6.0	0.0	6.0	2.0
52	Nicolas Spencer	1.0	0.0	2.0	26.0	3.0