Nelsonville 14, Trimble 6
Nelsonville-York came into the game using a running-back-by-committee approach, but after Dustin Young's performance, it might become a one-man show.
Taking over for last year's Tri-Valley Conference-Ohio Offensive Player of the Year Derek Arnold, Young showed he was up to the task, rushing for 197 yards on 41 carries in the Buckeyes 14-6 win over Trimble.
We knew we had something special in Dustin
Boston said. But I also gotta give credit to our offensive line in the holes they made for him.
Much like last year's matchup between these two teams, Friday's game featured two stifling defenses in a slugfest of a game. With the two talented squads being heated rivals, such a tough battle is expected, Boston said.
Anytime you put these teams together it's going to be physical Boston said. With both of us returning so many players and us being cross-town rivals
you gotta expect some bloodshed.
The Buckeye defense reigned supreme, holding two-time All-State running back Tyler Dyla to 31 yards on twelve carries. The Tomcats found little success outside of their lone scoring drive.
We were real quick up front
Boston said. I thought our inside linebackers played a heck of game
especially shutting down plays on the perimeter.
Gallia Academy 36 Athens 21
It was too little too late for the Athens Bulldogs in their matchup with the Gallia Academy Blue Devils.
A 20-0 halftime deficit to the Blue Devils proved too deep of a hole for the Bulldogs to dig out of. Athens fought back late, but fell 36-21.
We made some adjustments in our backfield and in our pass protection after that first half
said coach Ryan Adams. We knew we had to adjust after their defenders were all over us early.
Bulldog quarterback Trey Harris led the resurgent comeback. The Bulldogs closed the deficit down to eight after running back Tanner Weaver caught a pass from Harris at the two-yard line before bowling his way in for a touchdown.
The Athens' defense stifled Gallia Academy on the next drive and got the ball back. Harris tried to connect deep with receiver Ian Dixon, but the receiver misplayed the ball as the Blue Devils intercepted it. A long touchdown run sealed the win for Gallia.
Harris went 11-for-17 with 176 passing yards and a touchdown, but had two rare interceptions. He didn't throw his first interception until the seventh week last year. Dixon finished with 98 yards receiving.
It's the same old song and dance for Trey
Adams said. He carried the team on his shoulders in the second half and put the ball in the hands of our playmakers.
The Bulldog rushing attack never gained stability as Athens fell behind early and the offensive line failed to make holes for Devon Sharp. The running back finished the game with 16 yards on 8 carries.
We have to continue working on our play-calling up-front
Adams said. Our guys need to gel and get better at picking up calls and blitzes.
Alexander 31, Eastern 6
Alexander started its season with a blowout win, despite early turnovers that held them back from making the score even worse.
Two Spartan fumbles in the Eagle territory - including one in the Eastern end zone - stopped Alexander from extending its 31-6 lead even more.
We definitely started slow
said coach Sean Arno. But I'd rather play ugly and win than play pretty and lose.
An elbow injury to starting running back Cody Lawson will likely end his season and hurt the Spartans as they move forward. Sophomore running back Benton Milium picked up the slack with Lawson for tonight at least, rushing for 98 yards and 17 carries.
Tonight's performance was a total team-effort
Arno said. I'll leave the field today knowing our guys stepped up.
Other Scores:
Coal Grove 53, Meigs 13
River Valley 27, Federal Hocking 6
