|
October 25, 2008. By Greg Billing
Northmont (9-1) won the Greater Western Ohio Conference Central Division title outright with its 41-7 win over Beavercreek on Friday, Oct. 24. The win also clinched a home game for the Division I playoffs, which start Nov. 1. Beavercreek (5-5) wanted to salvage a 5-0 start, but that job got tougher with starting quarterback Tim Carroll and top receiver Brad Sundstrom out with injuries. Ryan Malone filled in well and Gabe Henry was solid at running back, but the Thunderbolts’ versatile offense and defense was too much to overcome.
Turning point: Northmont, leading 14-0, took over on downs on their own 39 with 1:49 left in the first half. QB Chase Belton connected with Jordan Grilliot and Javon Walker on long passes, then Belton capped the drive with a 2-yard run. The T-Bolts led 21-0 with 38 seconds left, a dominating lead considering how well the defense was playing.
Star of the game: Senior Mark Mays highlighted a talented backfield with 172 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. Both were electric. His 45-yard score came after cutting back in a lane and following great blocking downfield. His 68-yard TD came off a nice option pitch and his speed did the rest.
Quote: “I’ve said all year long this team is a unique group of kids. They all get along. We have great leadership and they just flip the switch on when it’s game time. We practice real well, but they come out here on Friday nights ready to play.” — Northmont coach Lance Schneider.
On deck: Northmont finds out from the Ohio High School Athletic Association on Sunday who it hosts in the quarterfinals of the Division I, Region 4 playoffs. Beavercreek’s season is over, but the Beavers have something to build on as almost all of its skill players return next season
|
