Gahanna stays unbeaten, New Albany wins big in Week 5

Gahanna Lincoln survived a defensive battle at Hilliard Darby on Friday, Sept. 18, winning 10-7 to stay unbeaten at 5-0.

New Albany rolled past Dublin Jerome 42-29 at home the same night, improving to 4-1. Both area teams hit the season's halfway mark with winning records and spots in the statewide Big 25 poll.

Gahanna grinds out a win at Darby

The Lions led just 3-0 at halftime, according to the Columbus Dispatch's live coverage. Darby's Braylon Griffith intercepted a pass to end a Gahanna scoring threat late in the second quarter, then put the Panthers ahead 7-3 with a 14-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-1 with 5:40 left in the third quarter.

Gahanna answered when Darby's fake punt failed. Quarterback Grey Kegley hit receiver Marki Wallace on a 7-yard touchdown pass with 10:54 left in the fourth quarter, giving the Lions a 10-7 lead they would not relinquish.

Darby lost the ball on downs near midfield in the final minutes, and Gahanna held on.

Gahanna coach Bruce Ward acknowledged his team was fortunate to escape with the win, according to the Columbus Dispatch. Entering the week, the Lions were ranked No. 3 in the Central Ohio Top 10 and No. 16 in cleveland.com's statewide Big 25 poll. Darby dropped to 3-2.

New Albany cruises past Dublin Jerome

The Eagles put up 42 points against a Jerome squad that entered at 1-3. The 42-29 final was the highest-scoring game either area team played in Week 5.

First-year head coach Mark Solis has New Albany at 4-1 and ranked No. 4 in the Central Ohio Top 10. The Eagles also entered the week at No. 18 in the statewide Big 25. Solis spent nine years at Olentangy before a brief stint at Hilliard Davidson.