SMETHPORT — The Smethport Hubbers lead District 9’s Small School North division, and based off of Friday’s game against Otto-Eldred, they do not appear likely to relinquish their hold on the league. 

Behind a dominant game from Noah Lent and the Hubbers’ offensive line, Smethport won 56-18 against O-E.

Lent led the way with 21 carries for 277 yards on the ground and five rushing touchdowns. He was an efficient 12-of-15 through the air, with 159 passing yards and three touchdowns. Brandon Higley was his best target on the day, snagging seven receptions for 96 yards and a score, while Alex Ogdon chipped in with three catches for 38 yards and two touchdowns.

Otto-Eldred had trouble scoring, but thanks to senior Ryan Love, O-E got points in all three phases of the game. After the Hubbers went down the field to score on their opening possession, Love answered by taking the ensuing kickoff to the House. 

Then, with only 1:45 left in the second quarter, Love dashed for a 68-yard touchdown scamper on offense. Capping off his hat trick, Love stripped Smethport running back Ryan Mason and ran the rock 45 yards to put up the first points of the second half, and the last points O-E would score in the game.

But try as he might, Love had no answers for the Hubbers ground game. Lent scored on 12, 13, 33, and 17-yard touchdown runs. The last one was set up by senior linebacker Travis Cooney, who intercepted an Otto-Eldred pass.

Smethport head coach Adam Jack praised Cooney and Lent after the game. Calling Cooney a, “Field General, he makes sure everyone’s in their spot… He’s the physical and emotional leader of that defense. It’s invaluable.” 

Jack said of Noah Lent’s running, “He has great vision, [the] ability to cut back, he has a special burst… You don’t see very often in the high school game.”

Perhaps more importantly, he credited Lent for his development through the air.

“Glad to see the passing game come to life tonight… Proud of him taking what the defense gave him,” Jack said. “It’s OK to take what we’re given.” 

Jack went out of his way to praise the offensive line, too. 

“Kudos to our offensive line tonight for giving him an opportunity to make those throws,” he said. Not only did the line give him the time necessary to complete 80% of his passes, but it also blocked for almost 300 yards rushing as well.