Salem Greyhounds overpower Melbourne Bearkatz in 34–7 rivalry win

Salem 34, Melbourne 7

The Salem Greyhounds defended their home field in dominant fashion Friday night, rolling past the previously unbeaten Melbourne Bearkatz 34–7 in 3A-2 conference action.

Salem quarterback Jackson Taylor set the tone early with two quarterback sneaks for touchdowns, while backs Colton Smith, Kaden Brink, and Aiden Province all added 20-yard scoring runs. Behind a powerful offensive line, the Greyhounds racked up nearly 300 rushing yards and showed the depth that has them ranked among the state’s elite.

Brink was especially impressive, piling up multiple chunk plays, including a 21-yard burst that set up his own score. Province closed the door with a late touchdown, and Smith’s early two-point conversion catch provided momentum as Salem seized control. Tight end Cole Stemen also made key grabs to extend drives.

Melbourne battled back in the third quarter. Sophomore quarterback Abe Cooper, who entered with 11 total touchdowns on the season, led the Bearkatz’ best series, keeping plays alive with his legs and connecting on short throws. Running back Maddox Lawrence, filling in for injured starter Ty Gillahan, capped the drive with a tough touchdown run. Senior receiver Cole Bookout added timely yards after the catch, and lineman Landon Rippy recorded a late sack to highlight the defensive effort.

Ultimately, Salem’s size, depth, and defensive pursuit proved too much. The Greyhounds improved to 4–0, while Melbourne dropped to 3–1 but showed it has the playmakers to contend in league play.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter – Salem: Jackson Taylor 1-yd run (pass to Colton Smith), Salem 8–0
2nd Quarter – Salem: Jackson Taylor 1-yd run (kick failed), Salem 14–0
2nd Quarter – Salem: Colton Smith 20-yd run (kick failed), Salem 20–0
3rd Quarter – Melbourne: Maddox Lawrence TD run (kick good), Salem 20–7
3rd Quarter – Salem: Kaden Brink 20-yd run (kick good), Salem 27–7
4th Quarter – Salem: Aiden Province 20-yd run (kick good), Salem 34–7

Standout Players

• Jackson Taylor (QB, Salem) – 2 rushing TDs, efficient passing.

• Kaden Brink (RB, Salem) – 100+ rushing yards, 20-yd TD.

• Aiden Province (RB/LB, Salem) – 20-yd TD, strong two-way play.

• Abe Cooper (QB, Melbourne) – extended plays, led lone scoring drive.

• Maddox Lawrence (RB, Melbourne) – scored Bearkatz’ only touchdown.