It was a night where the numbers told one story but the scoreboard told another. Brush out gained Shaker Heights in nearly every offensive category on Friday, but the Red Raiders' timely stops and big plays proved decisive in a 14-0 win over visiting Brush.

Shaker Heights (1-1) held Brush (1-1) scoreless despite the Arcs running 60 plays to the Red Raiders' 50 and piling up 294 yards of total offense compared to Shaker's 267. Brush also led in first downs (14 to 12) and controlled stretches of possession, but couldn't crack a tough Shaker defense when it mattered most. The Arcs also failed to capitalize on several near interceptions, which changed the tenor of the ballgame.

The Red Raiders struck first in the second quarter, capitalizing on a short field after a Brush turnover. A quick, balanced drive ended with a rushing score to put Shaker Heights on top 7-0 heading into halftime. Brush threatened in the third quarter, moving the ball deep into Raider territory behind the arm and legs of quarterback Jay Gilchrist, but the drive stalled and a missed opportunity kept the Arcs off the board.

Shaker Heights added insurance late in the fourth quarter, punching in another rushing touchdown to cap the scoring at 14-0. From there, the Raider defense slammed the door, forcing Brush turnovers on downs to secure the shutout.

Individually, Gilchrist turned in a gritty two-way performance for the Arcs, completing 11 of 23 passes for 120 yards and rushing 12 times for 52 yards. Aiden O'Neal paced the ground game with 13 carries for 70 yards, while Khalil Dudley added 25 yards on three attempts. Through the air, Nikk Allison (2 catches, 33 yards) and Phillip Alexander (3 catches, 30 yards) led a balanced group of receivers.

Despite 174 rushing yards and 120 passing yards, Brush couldn't finish drives—often stalling in Shaker territory. The Red Raiders, meanwhile, leaned on efficiency, turning 168 rushing yards and 99 passing yards into just enough points to win their third straight matchup against the Arcs.

Brush will look to regroup when it hosts Willoughby South in the 2025 HOME OPENER, at KORB FIELD, on Friday at 7 p.m.