For the first conference title in more than two decades, the Bison football team won the Chagrin Valley Conference title after defeating Cuyahoga Heights 35-34 on Friday, Oct. 18.

This win brought their overall record to 6-2, putting them on track to make their first playoff appearance in many years.

Fans were on the edges of their seats as the game spilled into overtime. Beachwood scored first, bringing them into the lead. The score was 35-28.

The Cuyahoga Hts. Redskins scored next, but that was the last of their luck. They went for a 2- point conversion instead of kicking the easy extra point. When one of the Redskin receivers missed the catch in spite of being wide open, it was over. The Bison had won.

This historic victory is on the heels of a winning season, an impressive first year for head coach Mike Gibbons.

There are many factors working towards the Bison’s success. One is junior quarterback Max Balazs.

“Not that I wasn’t expecting it, but I think Max Balazs is doing very well this season,” said senior captain Julio Stevens. “In his first year as a starter, and at a position like QB where there may be a lot of pressure, I think he has really stepped up to the challenge.”

“Max Balazs has came through in a very big way that I did not expect,” senior defensive end Rahsaan Felix said.

Max Balazs has thrown 19 touchdowns to only 5 interceptions. He also has thrown for 1586 yards with a completion rate of 59.5%.

Stevens has also been a key player this year. He has 45 receptions for 788 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading the Bison in all three categories.

Another factor to the Bison success has been their overall athleticism.

“We have great athletes. In all of our games, we are the more athletic team on the field,” Stevens said.

Felix believes the strong suit of the Bison is their offense. “Our offense is definitely one of the best I have been a part of,” Felix said.

Head Coach Mike Gibbons agrees. “Offensively we are able to run and throw very well. We are very balanced.” said Gibbons.

Even with their strengths, some feel there is room for improvement.

“I think we can cut down on our mental mistakes on the field. Of course we’ll make mistakes, but coming down the stretch and these last three games, we can’t afford to have the same mistakes that we have made if we are going to win,” said Stevens.

Felix disagrees. “As far as the team, we are in a zone right now and we will be ready for anyone,” he said.

“If we make the playoffs, we will have all the confidence in the world,” Stevens said. “It would be our 1st time in 10 plus years so we would be hot at the right time and I don’t think anyone would want to play us. But we have to get through these last 4 games first and take care of business.”

Going into their 9th game this Friday against Kirtland, (8-0) who has not lost a game in the past two seasons, the Bison face West Geauga (6-2) to finish out the season.

Gibbons seemed excited about potentially making it to the postseason. “Hopefully we go to the championship,” he said.

Photo by Chad Tindel