Centerville Steamrolls Beavercreek

Tonight (Friday, September 25, 2020) is Week #5 of Ohio’s 2020 High School Football Season. Due to the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic, the season has been shortened to only 6-Weeks. Therefore, tonight is the second to the last week of the regular season. Next weekend will be the final week of the regular season. At this current moment, I find myself sitting inside of Beavercreek, Ohio’s Miami Valley Hospital Stadium (MVHS). In just mere minutes, Beavercreek High School’s (BHS) Beavers will be squaring off against the Centerville High School (CHS) Elks. Coming into this game, Beavercreek has not been having a successful season. Thus far, the Beavers’ Overall Season Record stands at 0-4. By the scores of 37-8; 77-16; 42-8; and 70-8, the team has lost all of its games. By looking at the previously-mentioned scores, one issue is quite clear. BHS has not been competitive in any of its games. Will tonight’s game be different? Centerville’s Overall Season Record is 1-3. However, do not allow the Elks’ record to fool you. Although CHS possesses a losing record, the team has been very competitive. Its three losses have consisted of the following: 7-Points (Overtime Loss); 5-Points; and 13-Points. While I do not know who will end up winning the ensuing game, I can say the following. Within MVHS over the years, I have witnessed many interesting occurrences and outcomes. Tonight, I do not expect anything different.

 

            After the Official Coin Toss, Beavercreek started on Offense first. The Beavers’ Offense got going on its own 18-Yard Line. On 3^rd Down and 8, the ball was on the 20-Yard Line. At 11:11, Jack Barnett completed a pass to Travis Terrell. Before he could obtain the First Down, Terrell was tackled (on the 27-Yard Line). As the 4^th Down and 1 play was getting underway, whistles blew. Flags were thrown. BHS’s Offense was penalized for an Illegal Shift Violation. The 5-Yard Loss was very critical. The team was now forced to deal with 4^th Down and 6 from the 22-Yard Line. Instead of performing a play, Beavercreek decided to punt (10:14). Centerville’s Offense started on its 30-Yard Line. On 1^st Down and 10, Joseph Weber rushed the ball to the 45-Yard Line (10:04). The very next play ended with Bryant Callahan running the ball 19-Yards (to Beavercreek’s 36-Yard Line). The Elks’ Offense just kept on rolling. On 1^st Down and 10, the ball was on Beavercreek’s 36-Yard Line. After the snap-from-center, Chase Harrison completed a 27-Yard Pass to Nick Meade (9:43). The play gave CHS a 1^st and Goal on the 9-Yard Line.

 

            After a run by Weber, the ball rested on the 1-Yard Line. On 2^nd and Goal, Weber took the ball into the end zone (9:06). Harrison’s 2-Point Conversion Rush was good. Centerville leads Beavercreek 8-0. Once Beavercreek’s Offense received the ball again, its Offensive Drive started on the team’s 25-Yard Line. The Beavers went three plays and out. With 7:48 on the clock, the ball was on the 28-Yard Line. On 4^th Down and 7, BHS punted the ball away. The Elks’ Offense started on its 38-Yard Line. On 1^st Down and 10, Callahan rushed the ball to Midfield (50-Yard Line – 12-Yards – 7:37). With 7:17 on the clock, the drive came to an end. On 1^st Down and 10, Harrison completed a 50-Yard Touchdown Pass. Matt Mercer was the lucky recipient. Jackson Courville’s Extra Point Kick was good. By the score of 15-0, Centerville leads Beavercreek. How would Beavercreek respond to Centerville’s latest scoring conversion? The Beavers’ next Offensive Drive started on the team’s 40-Yard Line.

 

            On 2^nd Down and 10, Barnett rushed the ball to Centerville’s 49-Yard Line (11-Yards – 7:03). At the end of the next play, Beavercreek obtained another First Down. Addison Culpepper rushed the ball 19-Yards. He was brought down on the Elks’ 30-Yard Line (6:42). With 5:44 remaining in the 1^st Quarter, the Beavers’ good fortunes continued on. The ball was positioned on the 24-Yard Line. On 2^nd Down and 4, Barnett completed a 9-Yard Pass to Allan Hopkins. All good things must come to an end. On 1^st Down and 10 from the 15-Yard Line, Barnett was intercepted by CHS’s Defense (5:10). Near the line of scrimmage, the ball was tipped. Then, the interception took place. Centerville’s Offense did not waste much time capitalizing off of its defense’s huge play. At the 4:01 mark, the Elks faced 4^th Down and 1 from the team’s 35-Yard Line. After the snap-from-center, Callahan took the hand-off. When he stopped running, he was standing in BHS’s end zone. The 2-Point Conversion was no good. Centerville leads Beavercreek 21-0.

 

            Once the ensuing kickoff was complete, the ball rested on Beavercreek’s 32-Yard Line. On 3^rd Down and 6 from the 36-Yard line, Barnett completed a 9-Yard Pass to Hopkins (2:37). Barnett soon completed another pass to Hopkins. On 2^nd Down and 10 from the 45-Yard Line, Barnett completed a 29-Yard pass to Hopkins. The play ended on Centerville’s 26-Yard Line (1:35). With 49-Seconds on the clock, everything came crashing down. On 2^nd Down and 10, Barnett was intercepted by the Elks’ Matthew Graveline. Graveline was stopped on his team’s 40-Yard Line. The Elks’ Offensive Drive ended very quickly. After the snap-from-center on 1^st Down and 10, Harrison completed a 60-Yard Touchdown Pass to Matt Mercer (32-Seconds). Jackson Courville’s Extra Point Kick was good. Centerville’s lead stands at 28-0. At the 11:26 mark of the 2^nd Quarter, Beavercreek’s Offense avoided catastrophe. The ball was on the Beavers’ 29-Yard Line. On 3^rd Down and 7, Barnett was intercepted. The Elks’ Defender took the ball to the end zone. However, flags were thrown. Pass Interference on CHS’s Defense took the touchdown off of the scoreboard.

 

            As a result of the penalty, Beavercreek had a 1^st Down and 10 on its 44-Yard Line. On 3^rd Down and 6 from the 48-Yard Line, Barnett completed a 6-Yard Pass to Addison Culpepper (to Centerville’s 46-Yard Line – 10:41). With the aid of an Intentional Grounding Violation, the Beavers’ Offense went on to go three plays and out. On 4^th Down and 15 from Beavers’ own 41-Yard Line, BHS was forced to punt (8:54). The punt was a really good one. The ball was downed on the Elks’ 8-Yard Line. Beavercreek’s Defense prevented Centerville’s Offense from adequately moving the ball. With 8:05 on the clock, CHS’s Offense faced 3^rd Down and 2 from the 16-Yard Line. Callahan picked up exactly 2-Yards. The next play ended with Harrison completing a 9-Yard Pass to William Jackson-Linkhart (7:30). On the very next play, Harrison connected with Jackson-Linkhart again. This time, Jackson-Linkhart was on the receiving end of a 73-Yard Touchdown Pass (7:07). The situation had been 2^nd Down and 1 from the 27-Yard Line. Courville’s Extra Point Kick was good. Centerville’s lead over Beavercreek increased to 35-0. After receiving the ball again, Beavercreek’s Offense ended up going three plays and out. On 4^th Down and 8 from Beavercreek’s own 20-Yard Line, the team was forced to punt (6:04).

 

            Centerville’s next Offensive Drive was slow to get going. However, it soon received assistance from Beavercreek’s Defense. The drive started on CHS’s 37-Yard Line. With 5:09 remaining in the First Half, the ball was positioned on the 42-Yard Line.  On 3^rd Down and 5, Harrison completed a pass. Plus, Penalty Flags were thrown too. The Beavers’ Defense was penalized for a Personal Foul Violation (Face Mask). Along with the completed pass, the penalty placed the ball on Beavercreek’s 15-Yard Line. An ensuing Encroachment Violation (against BHS) soon gave the Elks’ Offense five more yards. On 1st and Goal from the 6-Yard Line, Harrison completed a Touchdown Pass to Nic Bruder (4:43). The Extra Point Kick was good. Centerville now leads Beavercreek 42-0. After receiving the ball back, Beavercreek’s Offense was unable to move the ball. The team’s Offensive Drive started on its 21-Yard Line. The Beavers went three plays and out. On 4^th Down and 11 from the 20-Yard Line, the ball was punted away (2:59). The ball was downed on Beavercreek’s 25-Yard Line.

 

            Joseph Weber went on to rush the ball twice. The first run lost 2-Yards. The second run picked up 2-Yards. Therefore, the ball was back on its original starting point (Beavercreek’s 25-Yard Line). A 7-Yard Pass was then completed. Centerville was now down to 4^th Down and 3 on Beavercreek’s 18-Yard Line. Brendan Salo’s Field Goal Attempt was no good. At the end of the 2^nd Quarter and First Half, Centerville still leads Beavercreek 42-0. After the Halftime Break, Centerville’s Offense got going on Beavercreek’s 41-Yard Line. A 5-Yard Penalty against the Elks’ Offense soon got in the way of progress. At 9:25, the ball was positioned on the Beavers’ 38-Yard Line. It was now 4^th Down and 7. Instead of punting or attempting a Field Goal, CHS decided to proceed with a play. After the snap-from-center, Colin Becker completed a long pass. The 32-Yard Pass Completion placed the ball on BHS’s 6-Yard Line. On 2^nd and Goal, Weber rushed the ball into the end zone (8:12). The Extra Point Kick was good. By the commanding score of 49-0, Centerville leads Beavercreek.

 

            Beavercreek’s Offense started on its 19-Yard Line. The team went three plays and out. On 4^th Down and 6 from the 23-Yard Line, the Beavers had to punt (5:51). Centerville did not keep the ball long. The Elks’ Offense started on BHS’s 39-Yard Line. On 2^nd Down and 1 from the 30-Yard Line, Centerville’s Quarterback went on to be intercepted by Beavercreek’s Bryce Solberg. Solberg was brought down on Centerville’s 45-Yard Line. With 2:28 remaining in the 3^rd Quarter, the Beavers’ Offense received a huge break. On 3^rd Down and 8 from the Elks’ 43-Yard Line, Spencer Johnson threw an Incomplete Pass. Due to the Elks’ Defense committing Pass Interference, the Beavers’ Offensive Drive continued. The ball was moved to the 28-Yard Line. The 3^rd Quarter went on to end. When it ended, Centerville still led Beavercreek 49-0. As the 4^th Quarter got underway, Beavercreek was faced with 4^th Down and 5 on Centerville’s 23-Yard Line. At 11:54, Johnson completed a 7-Yard Pass to Culpepper (to the 16-Yard Line). On 1^st Down and 10, Johnson completed a pass to Hopkins (11:13). The play gave BHS a 1^st and Goal on CHS’s 5-Yard Line.

 

            After two runs by Culpepper and a Pass Completion by Johnson, the ball still did not reach the end zone. The ball rested on the 2-Yard Line. It was now 4^th Down and Goal. Surprisingly, Beavercreek’s Offense did not perform another play. Instead, BHS performed a Field Goal Attempt. Kenny Blackmore’s Field Goal Attempt was good. Beavercreek trails Centerville 49-3. Centerville’s next Offensive Drive started on Beavercreek’s 42-Yard Line. On 1^st Down and 10, Weber picked up 5-Yards (to the 37-Yard Line – 8:19). The next play had Weber running again. Unfortunately, he did not make it past the 37-Yard Line. An Incomplete Pass followed. With 6:29 remaining in the game, it was now 4^th Down and 5 from BHS’s 37-Yard Line. Quarterback Max Doepker kept the ball. When he was tackled, it was on the 29-Yard Line (8-Yards). On 1^st Down and 10, Doepker was intercepted by Beavercreek’s Troy Goffe (5:44). The ball was downed on Beavercreek’s own 38-Yard Line. On 1^st Down and 10, Johnson completed a 62-Yard Touchdown Pass to Travis Terrell (5:11). For Beavercreek High School, it was a case of “too little too late.” By the Final Score of 49-10, Centerville High School went on to win the game.

London Runs Through Shawnee

 

Besides being a Freelance Sports Writer, I am a Substitute Teacher. Back on Friday, March 13, 2020, my life changed. More importantly, the world changed. After days and weeks of its progression, Covid-19 (Coronavirus) finally made its major mark on Ohio’s Educational System. At the time, people did not know the following. Friday, March 13, 2020 was the final in-person day of the 2019-2020 School Year (for many Ohio School Districts). For the school district I sub for (Xenia Community Schools – XCS), the following week was set to be the final week of classes before the start of Spring Break. Being that no one in today’s society knew how to deal with an ongoing pandemic, people did not know what to expect. To be perfectly honest, no one still knows what to expect. The Coronavirus Pandemic has not ended. Its end date is unknown. As the days and weeks of both Spring and Summer proceeded to go on, one issue became very clear. The uncertainty of the upcoming 2020-2021 School Year was very prevalent. As a result of that issue, another situation was beginning to be talked about. A Fall Season without sports was a real possibility. To me, all I could think about was the possibility of not being able to cover any Ohio High School Football Games. In fact, I started preparing myself for the worst. Within my mindset, I just kept on telling myself that there would be no football. I wanted to build myself up for the eventual sadness that was sure to come all at once. I did not want to be hit with the bad news. Being informed that way would cause so much pain.

 

            Fast forward to tonight (Friday, September 18, 2020). Currently, I am sitting inside of London, Ohio’s Bowlus Field. Believe it or not, the 2020 Ohio High School Football Season was not canceled. Instead of the normal 10-Week Season, the season was shortened to 6-Weeks. In just mere minutes, London High School’s (LHS) Red Raiders will be facing Springfield, Ohio’s Shawnee High School (SHS) Braves. Each Central Buckeye Conference (CBC) school possesses a record of 3-0. Therefore, I expect to be witnessing a good game. Shawnee won the Official Coin Toss. The team has decided to begin on Offense. After the kickoff, the Braves’ Offense started on its own 35-Yard Line. SHS proceeded with two rushing plays. Then, an incomplete pass was thrown. The ball remained on the 35-Yard Line. On 4^th Down and 10, Drew Mitch punted the ball away (10:40). London’s Offense started with good field position. The ball rested on the team’s 49-Yard Line.

 

            The Red Raiders put forth a healthy dose of Antwaun Burns. After Burns rushed the ball three times, the ball was positioned on the Braves’ 38-Yard Line. LHS proceeded to continue the utilization of Burns’ legs. Burns had two more runs. Those plays picked up a total of 10-Yards. On 1^st Down and 10 from Shawnee’s 28-Yard Line, Jonathan Schooley rushed the ball. He almost broke free to the end zone. Before he could break free, Schooley was tackled. He was brought down on the 19-Yard Line (8:22). With 7:29 on the clock, LHS had a 2^nd Down and 6 from the 10-Yard Line. Khaleb Comer took the hand-off. He was stopped at the goal line. On 1^st and Goal, Burns took the ball into the end zone (7:03). Ryan Fullmer’s Extra Point Kick was good. By the score of 7-0, London leads Shawnee. Shawnee’s next Offensive Drive started on the team’s 25-Yard Line. The drive was a complete disaster. On 3^rd Down and 10, the ball remained on the 25-Yard Line. At 6:00, Drew Mitch completed a pass to Luke Myers. Unfortunately, Myers was tackled way in the backfield (21-Yard Line). On 4^th Down and 14, SHS punted the ball away (5:25).

 

            Once again, London’s Offense started an Offensive Drive with good field position. The ball was positioned at Midfield (50-Yard Line). On 1^st Down and 10, Comer picked up 13-Yards (5:13). The next play ended with Comer rushing for 7-Yards. With 4:08 remaining in the 1^st Quarter, the ball was on Shawnee’s 30-Yard Line. On 2^nd Down and 3, Schooley ran the ball up the middle. Although he was brought down on SHS’s 26-Yard Line, he managed to obtain a First Down. The Red Raiders’ Offense went on to allow Burns to rush the ball three, consecutive times. At the 1:19 mark, LHS faced 4^th Down and 3. The ball rested on the 19-Yard Line. After the snap-from-center, Burns was handed the ball again. This time, he picked up the First Down. The 5-Yard Run moved the ball to SHS’s 14-Yard Line. Before the 1^st Quarter ended, London was able to conduct two more plays. Those plays barely moved the ball. At the end of the 1^st Quarter, London still leads Shawnee 7-0.

 

            After the 2^nd Quarter got underway, London’s Offense still experienced problems. First, Burns was tackled for a loss of 7-Yards. Then, the unit was hit with a penalty violation. At 11:03, the ball was on Shawnee’s 24-Yard Line. The Red Raiders faced 4^th Down and 10. Instead of attempting a Field Goal, the team decided to run an Offensive Play. After the snap-from-center, Isaiah Jones threw a pass to the end zone. The intended receiver was going one-on-one with a defender. In the end, the defender won the showdown. He broke up the pass. LHS turned the ball over on downs. Shawnee’s Offense was unable to capitalize off of it defense’s good play. The Braves’ Offense went on to go three plays and out. With 9:31 on the scoreboard, the ball was on SHS’s 20-Yard Line. On 4^th Down and 9, the ball was punted away.

 

            London’s Offense got going on the team’s own 34-Yard Line. On 1^st Down and 10, Burns took the hand-off. He moved the ball to the 45-Yard Line (9:18). If Burns was not tackled at that point, his run could have been very long. Quite possibly, he might have scored a touchdown. By the way of running the ball, the Red Raiders’ Offense continued to move the ball. Consecutive runs by Schooley, Burns, Comer, and another one by Schooley placed the ball on Shawnee’s 24-Yard Line. With 5:45 remaining in the First Half, the ball was positioned on SHS’s 21-Yard Line. LHS was faced with 4^th Down and 5. Once again, London refused to perform a Field Goal Attempt. The team performed a play. Burns took the hand-off. He proceeded to rush the ball to the 9-Yard Line. On 1^st and Goal, Burns was handed the ball again. When he stopped running, Burns was in the end zone (5:21). Fullmer’s Extra Point Kick was good. London leads Shawnee 14-0.

 

            Shawnee’s next Offensive Drive started on the Braves’ 20-Yard Line. An eventual penalty moved the ball back 10-Yards. With 4:14 remaining in the 2^nd Quarter and First Half, SHS was faced with 3^rd Down and 14 from the 16-Yard Line. After the snap-from-center, Drew Mitch was almost dropped for a Safety. During the process, he fumbled the ball. London’s Jonathan Schooley recovered the loose ball. When he recovered the ball, Schooley was in the end zone. As a result, he scored a Touchdown. After the successful completion of the Extra Point Kick, London possessed a 21-0 lead. How would Shawnee’s Offense respond to such a grave mistake? The Braves’ next Offensive Drive started on the team’s 35-Yard Line. With much success, the team was unable to move the ball. SHS’s Offense went three plays and out. On 4^th Down and 6 from the 39-Yard Line, the team was forced to punt (2:55). The ball ended up being downed on London’s 25-Yard Line.

 

            With 1:32 on the clock, it was now 2^nd Down and 9 from the 26-Yard Line. Burns proceeded to sprint his way 24-Yards (to Midfield’s 50-Yard Line). From Midfield, Comer moved the ball to Shawnee’s 34-Yard Line. London’s good fortunes continued. On 1^st Down and 10 from the 34-Yard Line, Schooley completed a pass to Jeremiah Yearout (56.6-Seconds). The 15-Yard Pass Completion got the ball to the 19-Yard Line. An ensuing run by Burns placed the ball on the 6-Yard Line. On 2^nd and Goal, Burns took the ball into the end zone (16.7-Seconds). The Extra Point Kick was good. By the score of 28-0, London took a commanding lead over Shawnee. At the end of the First Half, London still led Shawnee 28-0. After the Halftime Break, London started on Offense first. At 10:46, the ball was on the Red Raiders’ 42-Yard Line. On 2^nd Down and 12, Schooley completed a 30-Yard Pass to Ethan Minner. Minner was tackled on the Braves’ 28-Yard Line. From that point, the drive stalled. At 8:18, London had a 4^th Down and 1 on SHS’s 19-Yard Line. Burns took the hand-off. Shawnee’s Defense immediately brought him down. London turned the ball over on downs.

 

            The ball was downed on Shawnee’s 19-Yard Line. On 1^st Down and 10, Mitch ran the ball 11-Yards (to the 30-Yard Line – 8:09). The next play consisted of Mitch completing an 8-Yard Pass to Danny Rogers. The team went on to obtain a First Down. The ball rested on SHS’s 40-Yard Line. Mitch proceeded to complete passes to both Cameron Brucker (6-Yards) and Rudy Scanlon (25-Yards). With 5:36 on the clock, the ball rested on London’s 29-Yard Line. On 2^nd Down and 1 from the 20-Yard Line, Mitch completed a 20-Yard Touchdown Pass to Jamon Miller (5:01). As he caught the ball, Miller was wide-open. The Extra Point Kick was good. Shawnee now trails London 28-7. London’s next Offensive Drive started with a 10-Yard Run. Burns took the ball from his team’s 18-Yard Line to the 28-Yard Line. The Red Raiders soon avoided a potential disaster. With 3:36 remaining in the 3^rd Quarter, a fumbled snap took place. Fortunately, LHS’s Offense (Antwaun Burns) recovered the loose ball. On 4^th Down and 9 from the 29-Yard Line, LHS had to punt.

 

            Shawnee’s Offense started its next drive on the team’s 49-Yard Line. With 1:24 remaining in the 3^rd Quarter, the ball was on London’s 45-Yard Line. On 3^rd Down and 4, Max Guyer had a long run. Unfortunately, an Illegal Formation Penalty negated the long run. The ball moved back 5-Yards (Midfield – 50-Yard Line). An ensuing Holding Penalty moved the ball back again. This time, the ball was moved back to Shawnee’s own 39-Yard Line. On 4^th Down and 20 from the 39-Yard Line, SHS was forced to punt (37.2-Seconds). The punt was a good one. The ball ended up being downed on London’s 4-Yard Line. At the end of the 3^rd Quarter, London leads Shawnee 28-7. The Red Raiders controlled the entire 4^th Quarter. The team’s Offensive Drive started with 24.6-Seconds remaining in the 3^rd Quarter. It did not end until the 1:25 mark of the 4^th Quarter. At the 4^th Quarter’s 1:25 mark, the ball rested on the Braves’ 3-Yard Line. On 3^rd and Goal, Burns rushed the ball into the end zone. Fullmer’s Extra Point Kick was no good. However, that did not matter. The damage was already done. Just like it had done the entire game, London’s rushing attack controlled the 4^th Quarter. By the Final Score of 34-7, London went on to defeat Shawnee.  

Cedarville Dominates Tiffin

Coming into tonight (Thursday, January 16, 2020), Cedarville University’s (CU) Men’s Basketball Team is on a streak. Currently, the Yellow Jackets is experiencing a Losing Streak of 0-2. For CU, the 2019-2020 College Basketball Season has been very up-and-down. At times, the team has looked really good. On the other hand, times have existed where the team looks bad. The Yellow Jackets possess some very interesting aspects. Thus far (this season), CU has played in 4-Overtime Games. The team’s record in those games is 3-1. Therefore, one issue is very easy to understand. Repeatedly, the Yellow Jackets has been pushed to the limit. In all but one of those cases, the team has arisen victorious. Most recently, the team has had no positive luck. Like I previously-stated, the team is in the midst of a Two-Game Losing Streak. This past Saturday (01/11/2020), the team played its last game. By a 30-Point Margin (86-56), CU was blown out by Walsh University. Of course, do not allow that score to fool you! CU’s Men’s Basketball Team is not as bad as that score would lead you to think. The team’s Overall Season Record currently sits at 8-8. With my own two eyes, I have witnessed CU being a very competitive team. CU’s 4-Overtime Games emphatically prove that point. Tonight, the Tiffin University Dragons presents a brand-new challenge. I am eager to see if CU can get past this latest challenge.

            Tiffin University won the Official Tip-Off. However, the Dragons went on to turn the ball over (19:48). Cedarville’s Offense was unable to score. Tiffin had the ball again. Once again, the Dragons committed a turnover. With 18:49 on the clock, the game’s first points were scored. The Yellow Jackets’ Kollin Van Horn made a 2-Point Basket. Nine seconds later (18:40), Tiffin’s Joshua Williams made 1-Foul Shot. From 18:26 to 16:33, each team committed 2-Turnovers. Cedarville had 1-Block. Cedarville outscored Tiffin 5-0. At the 16:18 mark, the Dragons’ Jairus Stevens made a 2-Point Basket. During the process, he was fouled. After Stevens successfully converted his Free Throw Attempt, Tiffin trailed Cedarville 7-4. At 16:00, a Media Timeout was called.

            Thus far, this game has been of a very defensive nature. As a direct result, both offenses are making multiple mistakes. Scored points are low. Both teams have not been able to attempt the best shots. At 15:32, Cedarville’s Quinton Green made a 2-Point Basket. Along with the assistance from the Yellow Jackets’ 3-Turnovers, Tiffin went on a 7-0 Scoring Run. The Dragons obtained a 2-Point Lead (11-9). From 13:01 to 12:02, each team committed 1-Turnover. Cedarville outscored Tiffin 4-0.  With 11:34 on the clock, a Media Timeout was called. By the score of 13-11, Cedarville leads Tiffin.  The pace of the game has been extremely fast. I just wonder if that is the reason for why so many mistakes and bad shots have taken place. Points are still being scored at a low rate. Shortly after the Media Timeout (11:15), Tiffin’s Defense took the ball away from Cedarville. That play led to Trent Williams nailing a 3-Point Basket.

            At 10:41, Cedarville’s Branden Maughmer made 2-Foul Shots. From 9:58 to 9:13, Tiffin committed 2-Turnovers. Cedarville committed 1-Turnover. The Yellow Jackets’ Demond Parker had a block too. Before a Media Timeout at 7:50, Tiffin turned the ball over again. Cedarville outscored Tiffin 4-0. Going into the Media Timeout, Cedarville’s lead stands at 19-14. After each team has 1-Block, the Dragons’ Wesley Jordan scored 2-Points. Van Horn countered with 2-Points too. At 6:53, Stevens made 1-Foul Shot. Maughmer came right back with a 2-Point Basket. With a 2-Point basket of his own, Jordan countered Maughmer’s conversion. From 6:08 to 3:29, Cedarville went on a 10-0 Scoring Run. Green scored 5-Points (including a 3-Point Basket). Maughmer hit a 3-Point Basket. Conner TenHove made a 2-Point Basket. With 3:28 remaining in the First Half, a Media Timeout was called. Cedarville leads Tiffin 33-19.

            Points are now beginning to be scored at a normal pace. However, Cedarville has taken control of the game’s momentum. The team has pushed a lead into double-digits. From 3:00 to 1:27, gameplay was messy. Tiffin committed 3-Turnovers. Cedarville had 1-Turnover and 1-Block. During the First Half’s remaining 56.7-Seconds, the Yellow Jackets’ Defense made a steal. The Yellow Jackets outscored the Dragons 4-3. Austin Schaub scored the Dragons’ 3-Points. At the end of the First Half, Cedarville leads Tiffin 37-22. The First Half was very fun to watch. I must admit the following. For the first time ever (while watching a basketball game), I was more interested in the defensive side of play. For most of the First Half, points were not being scored at a regular pace. That issue was caused by strong, defensive play.

            I was so into what mistakes each defense would force the opposing offense to make that I was not bothered by the lack of points being put onto the scoreboard. Although strong defense continued to be played, both offenses started overcoming the obstacle. Eventually, Cedarville took over control of the game. Cedarville’s Offense built a double-digit lead. Going into the Halftime Break, Cedarville’s lead stands at 15-Points (37-22). When the Second Half started, Tiffin had the ball. The Dragons proceeded to outscore the Yellow Jackets 4-2. From 18:44 to 17:23, the Yellow Jackets’ Offense woke up. Led by Quinton Green’s 5-Points, Cedarville went on to outscore Tiffin 9-2. At 17:05, Tiffin turned the ball over. Cedarville was unable to convert Tiffin’s mistake into points. Shortly before a Media Timeout (15:52), Tiffin’s Jairus Stevens made a 2-Point Basket. Tiffin trails Cedarville 48-30. After the Media Timeout, Green personally outscored Tiffin 6-2. Stevens scored his team’s 2-Points.

            At 14:31, Tiffin’s Joshua Williams made a 2-Point Basket. During the conversion, he was fouled. Williams successfully made his 1-Foul Shot. Cedarville went on to outscore Tiffin 4-0. From 12:31 to 11:20, each team committed 1-Turnover. Tiffin outscored Cedarville 4-0. With 11:12 on the clock, a Media Timeout was called. By the score of 58-39, Cedarville leads Tiffin. Before another Media Timeout at 10:03, Cedarville went on a 5-0 Scoring Run. Jacob Drees hit a 3-Point Basket. After the latest Media Timeout, Tiffin’s Trent Williams nailed a 3-Point Basket. From 9:38 to 8:38, scoring went back-and-forth. Cedarville scored 7-Points. Tiffin scored 5-Points. Green scored 5-Points. Thomas Hickman scored Tiffin’s 5-Points. With 7:59 remaining in the game, a Media Timeout was called. Before the game could restart, a 30-Second Timeout was called. Cedarville leads Tiffin 70-47.

            When the game restarted, Williams outscored Cedarville 5-0. An Offensive Turnover assisted Williams. At this point in the game, Tiffin trailed Cedarville by 18-Points (70-52). To the Dragons’ dismay, matters did not get better. In fact, matters got worse. From 6:10 to 4:31, Cedarville outscored Tiffin 6-2. The Dragon’s Defense made a block and steal too. At 4:01, Tiffin was hit with a Technical Foul. For Cedarville, Conner TenHove was chosen to take the Foul Shots. He successfully converted both attempts. At the 3:45 mark, a Media Timeout was called. The Yellow Jackets’ lead now stands at 22-Points (78-56). After the conclusion of the Media Timeout, Cedarville’s Isaiah Speelman made a 2-Point Basket which was sandwiched in-between Tiffin successfully making a total of 3-Foul Shots. At 1:05 and 35.8-Seconds, Cedarville’s Seth Dittmer placed final exclamation points onto the game. On those two occasions, Dittmer made 2-Slam Dunks. With 20.1-Seconds remaining in the game, the final points were scored. Tiffin’s Austin Schaub made a 3-Point Basket. By the Final Score of 86-63, Cedarville ended up winning the game.

           

Cedarville Controls Tiffin

Before every game which I will be covering, I like to be familiar with each competing team. Most of the time, I know something about one of the teams. That is due to one fact. I cover the Home Games of the same teams. Cedarville University’s Women’s Basketball Team is a prime example. I try to cover all of the Lady Yellow Jackets’ Home Games. If I miss any of the team’s Home Games, I still like to be informed of the team’s results. By searching the internet, I check to see how the Lady Yellow Jackets performed in games that I missed, whether those games are Home or Away. In just mere minutes, CU will be stepping onto the Callan Athletic Center (CAC) Basketball Court. Tonight (Thursday, January 16, 2020), the Lady Yellow Jackets will play host to Tiffin University’s Lady Dragons. I must make an admission. Coming into tonight’s game, I am somewhat concerned. I have full confidence in the Lady Yellow Jackets and the team’s abilities. As of late, the team has struggled. That issue concerns me. Since Saturday, December 21, 2019, CU has played four games. The Lady Yellow Jackets has come out of those games with a record of 1-3. Of course, I find comfort in one aspect. In the three losses, the Lady Yellow Jackets has lost by 3-Points; 3-Points; & 2-Points. The team kept the games close. It just has not been able to come out victorious. Instead of being the loser, can CU become the winner? The answer to that question is about to be answered.

            Tiffin won the Official Tip-Off. At 9:37, the Lady Dragons’ Offense missed a 2-Point Basket. As the ball fell short, one of Cedarville’s Defenders appears to have gotten a hand on the ball. With 9:16 on the clock, Cedarville’s Isabelle Bolender scored the game’s first points. She nailed a 3-Point Basket. A short time later (8:35), the Lady Yellow Jackets’ Emily Chapman hit a 3-Point Basket too. Tiffin’s problems went from bad to worse. First, the team committed a Turnover (Shot Clock Violation). As a result, Cedarville’s Chapman nailed another 3-Point Basket. At this point, the Lady Yellow Jackets leads 9-0. From 7:26 to 7:10, the Lady Dragons got on track. Brooke Wesner hit a 3-Point Basket. After the Lady Dragons’ Defense obtained a steal, Aarion Nichols went on to pick up 2-Points. At the 6:04 mark, Cedarville’s Allison Mader ended Tiffin’s 5-0 Scoring Run. Before a Media Timeout (4:52), Tiffin’s Jensen Hiegel made a 2-Point Basket. Cedarville leads Tiffin 12-7. Cedarville started the game SUPER HOT! Before Tiffin got on the scoreboard, Cedarville opened with a 9-0 Lead.

            Coming out of the Media Timeout, Nichols nailed a 3-Point Basket (4:43). Cedarville’s Alli Roh responded with a 2-Point Basket. The teams traded 3-Point Baskets. Hiegel scored the Lady Dragons’ 3-Point Basket. For the Lady Yellow Jackets, Abby Wolford did the same. Wolford did not stop. At 2:10, she made a 2-Point Basket. During the process, she was fouled. After the successful completion of her Foul Shot, Cedarville took a 20-13 lead over Tiffin. From 2:01 to 1:11, Tiffin committed 2-Turnovers. The Lady Yellow Jackets ended the 1^st Quarter’s scoring with a 5-0 Scoring Run. Wolford scored the 5-Points. At the end of the 1^st Quarter, Cedarville leads Tiffin 25-13. With the way Cedarville is playing, Tiffin is lucky to be down by only 12-Points. The Lady Yellow Jackets had chances to open larger leads. However, Tiffin kept on preventing that from happening.

            When the 2^nd Quarter got underway, Cedarville had possession of the ball. The team was unable to score. At 9:27, Tiffin’s Danelle Bradley made a 3-Point Basket. Cedarville went on to turn the ball over. That mistake led to Tiffin’s Jessica Chase nailing a 3-Point Basket. With 8:36 on the clock, the Lady Yellow Jackets scored its first point of the quarter. Lexi Moore made 1-Foul Shot Attempt. At 8:09, the Lady Dragons’ Jada Tate made a 2-Point Basket. From 7:46 to 5:27, Tiffin committed 3-Turnovers. Cedarville had 1-Turnover. Cedarville went on a 6-0 Scoring Run. During the run, Chapman scored 4-Points. At 5:27, a stoppage in play occurred. The Game Officials were reviewing replay footage. Apparently, they were looking for a potential foul. Nothing came out of the process. No foul was called. Cedarville leads Tiffin 32-21.

            Near 4:55, Tiffin’s Defense picked up a steal. The Lady Dragons went on to obtain 1-Point. At the 4:36 mark, a Media Timeout was called. Cedarville leads Tiffin 32-22. Once again, Cedarville has pushed its lead to double-digits. I am interested to see if Tiffin can cut the lead back down to single-digits. From 3:34 to 2:19, the Lady Yellow Jackets lit up the scoreboard. Stevie Johnting nailed a 3-Point Basket. Paige Garr hit two 3-Point Baskets. At 3:06, Tiffin’s Kirsten Williams made 2-Foul Shots. During the time frame, Tiffin’s Offense committed a Turnover (Offensive Foul). Cedarville’s Alli Roh blocked a shot attempt too. With 2:15 remaining in the First Half, a Timeout was called. Cedarville’s lead stands at 41-24. With the use of the 3-Point Basket, Cedarville is brutalizing Tiffin University.

            At the 1:46 mark, Garr made a 2-Point Basket. Tiffin’s Brooke Wesner and Jasmine Watts went on to each score 3-Points. With 15.6-Seconds remaining in the 2^nd Quarter, Cedarville’s Ashlyn Huffman made a 2-Point Basket. At the end of the First Half, Cedarville leads Tiffin 45-30. The First Half was very entertaining. The game started with Cedarville going on a 9-0 Scoring Run. Eventually, Tiffin got onto the scoreboard. Time and time again, Cedarville opened up double-digit leads. Then, Tiffin just kept on cutting those leads down to single-digits. Cedarville could not shake Tiffin loose. Toward the second half of the 2^nd Quarter, Tiffin’s good fortunes ended. Tiffin was unable to reduce Cedarville’s lead to double-digits. At times, it looked like Tiffin would be successful at doing so. The closest which Tiffin was able to cut the lead down to was 10-Points. Cedarville’s use of the 3-Point Basket started to take its toll on Tiffin’s Defense. With the use of the 3-Point Basket, Cedarville brutalized Tiffin. As a result, Cedarville kept its lead at the double-digit level. Going into the Halftime Break, Cedarville has a 15-Point Lead (45-30).

            As the 3^rd Quarter got underway, Tiffin had possession of the ball. At 9:53, Hiegel successfully made 2-Foul Shots. Six seconds later (9:47), Cedarville turned the ball over. Unfortunately, Tiffin was unable to score any points. At 9:08, Cedarville’s Huffman picked up 2-Points. From 8:54 to 8:34, Cedarville turned the ball over once. Tiffin’s Nichols went on a 4-0 Scoring Run. With 8:33 on the clock, a Media Timeout was called. By the score of 47-36, Tiffin trails Cedarville. Once again, Tiffin is getting close to reducing Cedarville’s lead to single-digits. Mistakes are hurting Cedarville’s Offense. Shortly after the Media Timeout (8:15), Cedarville’s Emily Chapman nailed a 3-Point Basket. From 7:56 to 5:01, scoring went back-and-forth. However, Tiffin outscored Cedarville 12-8. At one point, Tiffin went on a 6-0 Scoring Run. Tiffin’s Nichols and Tate led all scorers with 4-Points each. At the 4:55 mark, a Media Timeout was called. Cedarville leads Tiffin 58-48.

            Once again, Tiffin has managed to cut Cedarville’s lead below 10-Points. That did not last long. It lasted 24-Seconds. Then, Cedarville took its lead from 8-Points to 10-Points. Before the Media Timeout, Tate was fouled. After the Media Timeout, she made 2-Foul Shots. The Lady Dragons soon ended up with the ball again. However, the Lady Yellow Jackets took the ball away. With 3:00 remaining in the 3^rd Quarter, Wolford made a 2-Point Basket. During the play, she was fouled. She went on to successfully make her Foul Shot Attempt. Tiffin’s Jasmine Watts responded with a 4-0 Scoring Run. The Lady Dragons picked up a steal too. During the 3^rd Quarter’s final 1:31, Cedarville outscored Tiffin 6-2. Bolender, Garr, and Chapman each scored 2-Points. Kirsten Williams scored her team’s 2-Points. At the end of the 3^rd Quarter, Cedarville leads Tiffin. The score is 67-56.

            With possession of the ball, Cedarville started the 4^th Quarter. Ten seconds into the quarter (9:50), Tiffin stole the ball. The Lady Dragons did not end up scoring. In fact, the Lady Yellow Jackets ended up going on a 6-0 Scoring Run. Tiffin committed an Offensive Foul (Turnover) too. At 7:52, Watts got Tiffin on the scoreboard. She made a 2-Point Basket. With 7:26 remaining in the game, a Timeout was called. Once again, the Game Officials were reviewing replay footage. Cedarville leads Tiffin 73-58.  Before a Media Timeout at 5:50, each team scored 2-Points. After somewhat of a back-and-forth 3^rd Quarter, Cedarville has taken control in the 4^th Quarter. At the 5:16 mark, Hiegel made a 2-Point Basket. From 4:43 to 3:25, Cedarville outscored Tiffin 8-2. Before another Timeout at 2:08, Tiffin outscored Cedarville 4-2. At 2:04, Cedarville turned the ball over. During the final 1:32, Tiffin outscored Cedarville 4-2. For the Lady Dragons, it was a case of too little too late. By the Final Score of 87-72, Cedarville University went on to win the game.

Cedarville's Defense Clamps Down On Wilberforce

Tonight (Thursday, December 19, 2019) is going to be a very good night. Let me explain. The Cedarville University (CU) Lady Yellow Jackets’ Basketball Team recently had an 8-Game Winning Streak ended (a 74-51 Loss to Kentucky Wesleyan College on 12/14/2019). However, Cedarville quickly rebounded with a victory (64-43 over Trevecca Nazarene University on 12/16/2019). With those games now out of the way, a unique challenge is about to commence. After two Road Games, the Lady Yellow Jackets has now returned HOME (Callan Athletic Center). The ensuing game is not just your normal college basketball game. It means much more than that. Tonight’s game is what I affectionately like to call: “THE BATTLE FOR GREENE COUNTY.” Only 6-Minutes (by vehicle) and 5-Miles separate Cedarville University and Wilberforce University (WU) from each other. Although I would not classify the rivalry as being one of a heated nature, it is still a rivalry. It is just a “Friendly Rivalry.” Regardless of how people feel about athletic contests between CU and WU, everyone should agree on one thing. Both CU and WU each want the bragging rights. Each team wants to be known as the better Greene County, Ohio team. Wilberforce comes into tonight’s game with an Overall Season Record of 7-4. Currently, the team is on a 5-Game Winning Streak. With both teams having played in a positive way (up until this moment in time), tonight’s game will be interesting. Which team will be able to gain control and arise victorious? While I cannot answer that question at this very moment, I do know one thing. For the entirety of this game, that question will never leave my mindset.

            As the Official Tip-Off was getting underway, Wilberforce’s Lady Bulldogs committed a foul. Cedarville was given the ball’s possession. At 9:48, the Lady Yellow Jackets’ Abby Wolford missed a 2-Point Basket. Wilberforce went on to miss a 2-Point Basket too. Cedarville ended up with the ball again. Unfortunately, the team turned the ball over. With 9:01 on the clock, Cedarville’s Defense picked up a steal. The steal did not turn into points. At 7:57, Wilberforce’s Malika Wildon nailed a 3-Point Basket. The Lady Bulldogs would soon have the ball again. Due to an Offensive Foul, the ball would be turned over. With 7:04 on the scoreboard, the Lady Yellow Jackets finally scored some points. Alli Roh made a 2-Point Basket. A short time later, Cedarville picked up another steal. Once again, the team was unable to convert the steal into points. From 5:29 to 4:58, Wilberforce outscored Cedarville 5-0. Sydney Moore scored 3-Points.

            At the 4:58 mark, a Timeout was called. Wilberforce leads Cedarville 8-2. Thus far, this has been a very defensive game. However, Wilberforce is taking control. Cedarville is having trouble with Wilberforce’s size. Cedarville is going to have to find a way to properly deal with that obstacle. At 4:29, Wilberforce’s Latyrah Beasley made a 2-Point Basket. Twenty-nine seconds later (4:00), Cedarville’s Allison Mader made a 2-Point Basket too. From 3:21 to 2:48, Cedarville committed 2-Turnovers. Wilberforce had 1-Offensive Foul (Turnover). Before the Lady Yellow Jackets turned the ball over again (1:27), Roh went on a 4-0 Scoring Run. During the final 1:02 of the 1^st Quarter, the Lady Bulldogs’ Nia McCormick made a 2-Point Basket. Wildon hit a 3-Point Basket. For the Lady Yellow Jackets, Wolford and teammate Ashlyn Huffman each obtained 2-Points. At the end of the 1^st Quarter, Wilberforce leads Cedarville 15-12. After the game started, it was very defensive. Both teams had trouble scoring. Then, Wilberforce started taking over. Cedarville has fought its way back into the game.

            When the 2^nd Quarter started, Wilberforce had the ball. Immediately, Lea Coulter proceeded to go on a 4-0 Scoring Run. At 8:37, Cedarville’s Isabelle Bolender ended the run. Bolender made a 2-Point Basket. From 8:19 to 7:16, Wilberforce outscored Cedarville 6-0. During the run, Wildon hit a 3-Point Basket. During the time frame, Cedarville had one positive play. Bolender made a hard block which ended up out-of-bounds. At the 6:57 mark, a Media Timeout was called. Wilberforce leads Cedarville 25-14. Wilberforce is really taking it to Cedarville. In terms of speed, Cedarville has found a team that is just like itself. Just like Cedarville, Wilberforce is a fast team. However, Wilberforce is the faster team. In order to remain in front of Cedarville, Wilberforce is using a combination of size and speed.

            Coming out of the Media Timeout, Cedarville’s Lexi Moore made a 2-Point Basket. For Wilberforce, Coulter responded with a 3-Point Basket. After turning the ball over, Cedarville had the ball again. Once again, Moore put 2-Points onto the scoreboard (4:45). Over one minute later (3:41), Wilberforce’s Alexandra Shealey picked up 2-Points. From 3:18 to 25.4-Seconds, each team had issues with turning the ball over. Cedarville committed 4-Turnovers. Wilberforce committed 3-Turnovers. Cedarville outscored Wilberforce 8-2. Wolford and Bolender each scored 3-Points. Beasley scored Wilberforce’s 2-Points. During the 2^nd Quarter’s last 20.8-Seconds, Bolender (Cedarville) and Wildon (Wilberforce) each scored 2-Points for their respective team. At the end of the 2^nd Quarter, Wilberforce leads Cedarville 34-28. Cedarville has cut Wilberforce’s lead down to single-digits. The Lady Yellow Jackets has gotten closer to the Lady Bulldogs. However, the Lady Yellow Jackets has not gotten over the hump yet.

            Allow me to begin with the obvious. Wilberforce has the overall size advantage. Wilberforce has four players who are each at least 6-2 or taller. As a result, playing at the basket has been a positive aspect for Wilberforce. On both the Offensive and Defensive ends, Wilberforce is controlling the basket area. Although Cedarville has had limited success near the basket area, that limited success has not come easy. I must be completely honest. Since I last saw a team control Cedarville like this in the Callan Athletic Center, it has been a long time. Wilberforce is in control of this game. However, Cedarville has reduced Wilberforce’s Double-Digit Lead down to single-digits. Jack is going nowhere. As the 2^nd Quarter came to a close, it is quite obvious that Cedarville is very close to placing momentum on its side. Wilberforce cannot completely separate itself from Cedarville. In the Second Half, failure to do that could become a huge problem. After Halftime, Wilberforce started with the ball. The team did not fail to disappoint. At 9:33, McCormick made a 2-Point Basket.

            Fifteen seconds later (9:18), Wolford responded with 2-Points. From 9:06 to 8:14, Wilberforce committed 2-Turnovers. Cedarville outscored Wilberforce 4-0. At 7:53, Beasley got Wilberforce back onto the scoreboard. She made a 2-Point Basket. Cedarville proceeded to respond with a 4-0 Scoring Run. At 6:49, Bolender’s 2-Point Basket briefly tied the game 38-38. With 6:30 on the clock, Wilberforce’s Wildon nailed a 3-Point Basket. Before each team went on to commit a turnover, each team scored 2-Points. Then, a Battle of 3-Point Baskets took place. Huffman (Cedarville) and McCormick (Wilberforce) each hit a 3-Point Basket. Before a Media Timeout at 2:56, each team obtained a steal. Each team scored 2-Points. Wilberforce leads Cedarville 48-45. After the Halftime Break, both teams have come out strong. Points are being scored at a rapid pace. Not too many shot attempts are being missed.

            Coming out of the Media Timeout, the action ended up at the basket. Cedarville’s Defense made a block and a steal. With the aid of a Wilberforce Turnover, Cedarville went on an 8-0 Scoring Run. During the process, Wolford scored 5-Points (including a 3-Point Basket). Emily Chapman nailed a 3-Point Basket. The Lady Yellow Jackets both tied the game (48-48) and gained the lead (50-48). At the 1:15 mark, a Media Timeout was called. Cedarville leads Wilberforce 53-48. Finally, Cedarville has its first lead of the game. The team is gaining control of this game. After the latest Media Timeout, Cedarville went on to score 4-Points. The Lady Bulldogs’ Daija Stafford scored 5-Points. At the end of the 3^rd Quarter, Cedarville leads Wilberforce 57-53. Coming out of Halftime, Cedarville is like a brand-new team. For the Lady Yellow Jackets, the Lady Bulldogs’ size and speed are no longer much of a problem. Cedarville is now utilizing its smaller size and speed to overpower Wilberforce.

            The 4^th Quarter started with each team turning the ball over. Then, Cedarville went on a dominating 12-0 Scoring Run. Wolford scored 4-Points. Huffman scored 6-Points. Abby Freeman and Lexi Moore each scored 1-Point. Wilberforce had 2-Turnovers. At the 5:00 mark, a Media Timeout was called. Thus far in the 4^th Quarter, Wilberforce has not scored! In all facets, Cedarville’s Defense has completely clamped down on Wilberforce’s Offense. Cedarville has completely taken over any area near the basket. Before another Timeout (3:46), Cedarville’s Allison Mader made a 2-Point Basket (4:05). With 3:29 on the clock, Wilberforce scored its first points of the 4^th Quarter. Beasley made a 2-Point Basket. From 3:09 to 1:25, Wilberforce committed 4-Turnovers. Cedarville outscored Wilberforce 5-0. With 56.5-Seconds remaining in the game, Wilberforce scored its final points. Christiana Robertson made a 2-Point Basket. Once another Wilberforce Turnover went down, Cedarville’s Paige Garr scored the game’s final points. She successfully made 2-Foul Shots. By the Final Score of 78-57, Cedarville University completed a great come back.

           

Cedarville's Isabelle Bolender Has Spectacular Ending

From the 2015-16 Season through the 2017-18 Season, Ursuline College’s (UC) Basketball Team had the following Overall Season Records: 25-4 (2015-16); 23-8 (2016-17); & 19-10 (2017-18). At the end of the 2018-19 Season, the Lady Arrows finished with an Overall Season Record of 8-20. In 2019-20, the team’s current record stands at 2-6. There is a stark difference between what type of team Ursuline used to be and what type of team Ursuline is now. Better yet, I need to choose more appropriate wordage. For three seasons, Ursuline has experienced great success. The past two seasons have not been so kind to the Lady Arrows. Today (Saturday, December 7, 2019) is a new day. Therefore, UC has the opportunity to start improving its 2019-20 Season. The forthcoming game is the first step. UC has traveled to Cedarville University’s (CU) Callan Athletic Center. For the Lady Arrows, standing in its path to victory is the Home Team: CU Lady Yellow Jackets. After opening the season with a loss, Cedarville has proceeded to win seven, consecutive games. While playing against Cedarville is never an easy task, ignore Ursuline’s record! In the past, Cedarville and Ursuline have played some great games against each other. At one point, I was present for one of those games. Believe me when I say the following. In the rivalry between Cedarville and Ursuline, “Win/Loss Records do not matter.” Regardless of which team ends up being victorious, the game is sure to be exciting.

            Cedarville won the Official Tip-Off. At 9:48, the Yellow Jackets missed a 3-Point Basket. However, the team managed to rebound the ball. CU’s Alli Roh went on to make a 2-Point Basket (9:36). CU soon had the ball again. Unfortunately, the team turned the ball over. At 8:46, Ursuline’s Aubrie Marsh was fouled. She made 1-Foul Shot. From 8:10 to 7:21, CU committed 1-Turnover. UC committed 2-Turnovers. With 7:58 on the clock, the Lady Arrows had the ball. A Jump Ball was called. One of the Lady Yellow Jackets’ players almost obtained a steal. In the end, Ursuline was given possession. At 7:09, Cedarville’s Abby Wolford made a 2-Point Basket. By the score of 4-1, Cedarville leads Ursuline.

            Sandwiched between 2-Turnovers from each team, Ursuline’s Jennah Taylor and Cedarville’s Ashlyn Huffman each scored 2-Points. From 5:21 to 4:51, the Lady Yellow Jackets (Cameron Peek: 2-Points & Stevie Johnting: 3-Points) went on a 5-0 Scoring Run. At 4:32, UC’s Ky Crevison ended CU’s run. Crevison hit a 3-Point Basket. A Media Timeout was soon called (4:21). Cedarville leads Ursuline 11-6. Thus far, both teams have been playing really tough defense. Points are hard to come by. As far as offense goes, Cedarville has been the faster team. For the Lady Yellow Jackets, getting quickly to the basket has been easy. Shortly after the Media Timeout, CU’s Defense obtained a steal. With 3:21 on the scoreboard, Johnting nailed a 3-Point Basket. UC responded with a 5-0 Scoring Run. Cedarville came right back with an 8-0 Scoring Run. During the run, Cedarville’s Defense made 3-Steals. Also, the unit had 1-Block.  With no time remaining on the clock, Ursuline’s Tamara Mathis made a 2-Point Basket. At the end of the 1^st Quarter, Cedarville leads Ursuline 22-13.

            Cedarville has opened up a small amount of breathing room between itself and Ursuline College. The Lady Yellow Jackets’ Offense is beginning to come alive. When the 2^nd Quarter got underway, Cedarville had possession of the ball. The team missed a Shot Attempt. At 9:15, Ursuline’s Defense made a steal. Four seconds later (9:11), Mathis made 1-Foul Shot. Mathis went on to make a 2-Point Basket. With 8:29 on the clock, Roh found herself standing at the Free Throw Line. She ended up making 1-Foul Shot. At 8:07, a Media Timeout was called. Cedarville leads Ursuline 23-16. The defense being played is still tough. As a result, multiple shots are being missed. I believe that the teams are taking shots which they do not always want to take. Coming out of the Media Timeout, points were hard to come by. Points were not being scored. With 6:04 on the clock, points were scored again. Ursuline’s Sam Jenkins made a 2-Point Basket.

            Before a Timeout (5:01), Cedarville’s Isabelle Bolender and Ursuline’s Aubrie Marsh each made a 2-Point Basket. Going into the Timeout, Cedarville leads Ursuline 25-20. I have noticed that Cedarville has been having a really easy time going to the basket, whenever it wants to. After getting to the basket, its Shot Attempts are not always successful. However, the team is still getting there (in the first place). On the defensive end, Cedarville’s Defense at the basket has been extremely tough on Ursuline. From 5:01 to 3:30, Cedarville outscored Ursuline 6-0. Bolender scored 4-Points. The Lady Yellow Jackets’ Defense made 1-Steal. With 3:13 remaining in the 2^nd Quarter, Ursuline’s Julia Cardwell made a 2-Point Basket. During the process, she was fouled. She successfully completed the 3-Point Play. Eleven seconds later (3:02), Cedarville’s Allison Mader nailed a 3-Point Basket. Cedarville leads Ursuline 34-23. At the 2:35 mark, Ursuline’s Bekah Green made a 2-Point Basket. In a big way, Cedarville responded. The Lady Yellow Jackets went on a 6-0 Scoring Run. It had 1-Steal too.

            At the end of the 2^nd Quarter (and First Half), Cedarville University leads Ursuline College 40-25. Toward the end of the 2^nd Quarter, Cedarville started taking control of the game. Its Offense is really asserting itself. When the 3^rd Quarter started, Ursuline had possession of the ball. Wolford quickly stole the ball. Then, she ended up with 2-Points (9:51). The Lady Arrows went on to outscore the Lady Yellow Jackets 4-0. After Cedarville failed to score, Ursuline had the ball again. That possession ended in a Turnover (Traveling – 8:38). Sandwiched between Bolender and teammate Roh each making a 2-Point Basket, Ursuline’s Alyssa Evans hit a 3-Point Basket. Once each team committed 1-Turnover, a Battle of 3-Point Baskets took place. The Lady Arrows’ Evans made one. The Lady Yellow Jackets’ Bolender made the other one. From 5:25 to 4:25, Cedarville scored 1-Point. To Cedarville’s dismay, Ursuline scored 3-Points. With 4:25 on the clock, a Media Timeout was called. Cedarville leads Ursuline 50-38.

            At 3:46, Ursuline’s Offense turned the ball over. Cedarville’s Offense turned that mistake into 2-Points. Near the 3:00 mark, Cedarville picked up 1-Point. During the 3^rd Quarter’s final 2:49, Ursuline College took over control of the game. Cedarville had 2-Turnovers. Ursuline outscored Cedarville 12-2. Ky Crevison and Alyssa Evans each scored 4-Points. Cedarville’s Paige Garr scored the Lady Yellow Jackets’ 2-Points. At the end of the 3^rd Quarter, Ursuline trails Cedarville 55-52. With possession of the ball, Cedarville started the 4^th Quarter. The Lady Yellow Jackets ended up turning the ball over. At 8:51, Evans made 2-Foul Shots. Then, Wolford picked up 2-Points. By making 2-Foul Shots, Evans responded.  Before a Timeout (7:27) was called, each team scored 2-Points. Cedarville’s lead is now 1-Point (59-58).  

            With 6:21 remaining in the game, Cedarville’s Allison Mader nailed a 3-Point Basket. At the 6:00 mark, Evans made 2-Foul Shots. Wolford responded with a 2-Point Basket. At 4:58, a Media Timeout was called. Cedarville leads Ursuline 64-60. After the Media Timeout, Ursuline outscored Cedarville 4-2. Then, another Media Timeout was called (3:45). Ursuline trails Cedarville 66-64. Ursuline is sticking right with Cedarville. However, Ursuline just has been unable to take the lead. After the latest Media Timeout, Ursuline’s Defense had a hard block and a steal. Cedarville’s Offense turned the ball over. At 2:43, Ursuline’s Jennah Taylor tied the game up (66-66). She made a 2-Point Basket. During the conversion, she was fouled. Taylor did not make her Foul Shot Attempt. If she had done so, Ursuline College would have taken a 1-Point lead.

            Before another Timeout (1:19), Cedarville’s Cameron Peek broke the tie. She made a 2-Point Basket (1:58). At the 1:12 mark, Ursuline turned the ball over. Then, a Timeout was called. With 45.7-Seconds on the clock, Ursuline’s Sam Jenkins made a 2-Point Basket. She tied the game (68-68). With 36.7-Seconds remaining in the game, a Timeout was called. Then, another Timeout was soon called (25.8-Seconds). With 2.5-Seconds on the clock, Ursuline turned the ball over. Immediately, Cedarville called a Timeout. With three tenths of a second left on the clock, Isabelle Bolender nailed the night’s biggest shot. As the game was about to end with a tie and head to Overtime Play, Bolender turned around. She threw up a 2-Point Basket. The ball successfully went through the hoop. As a direct result, Cedarville earned a victory. The Final Score was Cedarville 70 and Ursuline 68. Cedarville and its Home Crowd all erupted into complete happiness and joy.

           

Trotwood-Madison Shuts Down Bishop Hartley Comeback

Although words do not paint the complete picture of how I am currently feeling, I will try my very best to do so. After a period of more than five years, I am presently back in the city which I call my “SECOND HOMETOWN.” That city is London, Ohio. From November 2004 to March 2006, I lived in London. Before and after that time period, I visited London a countless amount of times. I have friends and family members who live in the city. At one point, London was the place where I attended church. Less than a week ago, I found out that I would be here tonight (Friday, November 29, 2019). In the past, I have said that being a Freelance Sports Writer takes me to so many places. Due to the fact of being able to choose where I go, I get to experience many different stadiums and gymnasiums. Therefore, I could not pass up the opportunity to visit London High School’s Bowlus Field. In just mere minutes, an Ohio High School Division 3 Semifinal Football Game will commence. The game will feature Trotwood-Madison High School (TMHS) vs. Columbus Bishop Hartley High School (BHHS). The Rams (Trotwood-Madison) vs. Hawks (Bishop Hartley) will be a battle between two of Ohio’s best teams. While I am very familiar with Trotwood-Madison’s Football Program, the same cannot be said about Bishop Hartley’s Football Program. That is about to change. I am going to find out what Bishop Hartley is all about.

            Bishop Hartley won the Official Coin Toss. The team has elected to defer. Trotwood-Madison will start on Offense first. After a good Kickoff Return, the Rams’ Offense started on its own 45-Yard Line. Once an Incomplete Pass was thrown and a run managed to obtain only 1-Yard, TMHS was faced with 3^rd Down and 9 from the 46-Yard Line. After the snap-from-center, Trotwood-Madison’s Quarterback Cooper Stewart moved the ball to Bishop Hartley’s 45-Yard Line (9-Yards – 11:11). On the ensuing 1^st Down and 10 Play, Stewart completed a 7-Yard Pass to Wide Receiver Carl Blanton, Jr. The next play was a rush which moved the ball to the 35-Yard Line. Due to the fact the Rams needed exactly 3-Yards to obtain a First Down, another First Down was obtained. At 10:29, the ball was still on the Hawks’ 35-Yard Line. Stewart went on to complete a 35-Yard Touchdown Pass. Sammy Anderson scored the touchdown. Carter Mims’ Extra Point Kick was good. Trotwood-Madison leads Bishop Hartley 7-0. Bishop Hartley’s first Offensive Drive started on the team’s 32-Yard Line. On 2^nd Down and 5 from the 37-Yard Line, the ball was rushed 9-Yards (to the 46-Yard Line – 9:48).

            From the 46-Yard Line, the drive ended up being a disaster. First, Quarterback Miles Fleming was sacked. Two, ensuing runs did not gain much. With 7:01 on the scoreboard, it was now 4^th Down and 12 from the Hawks’ 43-Yard Line. The ball was punted away. The Rams’ Offense got going from its 35-Yard Line. Immediately, the ball was on the move. Hezekiah Hudson-Davis picked up 8-Yards. The next play ended with 2-Yards being acquired (6:21). At 4:58, the ball was positioned on the 44-Yard Line. After the snap on 2^nd Down and 11, Stewart rushed the ball. Flags were thrown. Bishop Hartley was penalized for a Holding Violation. That penalty gave Trotwood-Madison a First Down (on BHHS’s 42-Yard Line). On 1^st and 10, Ke’shawn Huguely ran the ball to the 31-Yard Line (11-Yards – 4:53). TMHS soon avoided a disaster of its own. On the ensuing 1^st Down and 10 Play, H. Hudson-Davis took the hand-off. During the process of rushing the ball, he fumbled. Luckily, the Rams’ Offense recovered the ball.

            With 3:21 remaining in the 1^st Quarter, the ball rested on Bishop Hartley’s 26-Yard Line. On 3^rd Down and 5, Stewart completed a 26-Yard Touchdown Pass to Anderson. Anderson’s catch was spectacular. In order to make the reception, he had to make a dive. Then, he pulled the ball in with one hand. Mims’ Extra Point Kick was good. TMHS’s lead grew to 14-0. On the ensuing Offensive Drive, BHHS’s Offense went three plays and out. On 4^th Down and 5 from the team’s own 33-Yard Line, BHHS was forced to punt. With 6.3-Seconds remaining in the quarter, the ball was on Trotwood-Madison’s 30-Yard Line. On 2^nd Down and 9, Keon’tae Huguely rushed for 12-Yards. He was tackled on the 42-Yard Line. At the end of the 1^st Quarter, Trotwood-Madison leads Bishop Hartley 14-0. After the start of the 2^nd Quarter, the drive came to an abrupt end. On 1^st Down and 10, Keon’tae Huguely was intercepted by Bishop Hartley’s Trey Saunders. The Hawks’ Offensive Drive was filled with penalties. Before the drive got underway, Bishop Hartley was hit with an Unsportsmanlike Conduct Penalty. That penalty placed the ball on Bishop Hartley’s 10-Yard Line.

            As the 1^st Down and 10 Play was beginning, Bishop Hartley’s Offense committed a False Start Violation. That mistake pushed the ball back to the 5-Yard Line. When the next play started, flags were thrown. Once again, the Hawks was penalized for a False Start Violation. This time, the ball was moved back to the 3-Yard Line. Was BHHS finished with its penalty issues? The answer is NO. At 11:46, the ball was on the 3-Yard Line. A rushing play took place. Afterward, BHHS was penalized for a Chop Block Violation. The ball remained on the 3-Yard Line. The next play started with a rush and ended with a fumble. Trotwood-Madison’s Tyreik Gooch recovered the fumble. TMHS’s Offense got started on BHHS’s 4-Yard Line. With both H. Hudson-Davis and Stewart leading the way, the ball was able to only be moved to the 1-Yard Line. On 4^th Down and 1, Mims successfully converted an 18-Yard Kick. TMHS leads BHHS 17-0.

            Bishop Hartley’s next Offensive Drive started off being affected by 2-False Start Violations. The drive officially started from the Hawks’ 28-Yard Line. With 8:11 remaining in the 2^nd Quarter, it was now 3^rd Down and 9. The ball was on Bishop Hartley’s 36-Yard Line. Once again, the Hawks’ Offense committed a False Start Violation. The penalty moved the ball back to the 31-Yard Line. On 3^rd Down and 14, Miles Fleming completed a 34-Yard Pass to Angelo Evans (7:51). Evans was brought down on Trotwood-Madison’s 35-Yard Line. From the 35-Yard Line, the drive went on to experience issues. The ball was only moved to the 28-Yard Line. At the 5:33 mark, BHHS was penalized for a False Start Violation. On 4^th Down and 8 from the 33-Yard Line, the Hawks decided to run a play. Punting was not an option. After the snap, Fleming was intercepted (5:05) by TMHS’s Carl Blanton, Jr. Blanton, Jr. was tackled on TMHS’s 10-Yard Line. Immediately, H. Hudson-Davis gave the Rams some breathing room. On 1^st Down and 10, H. Hudson-Davis moved the ball to the 23-Yard Line (13-Yards – 4:58).

            The very next play got off to a rough start. The snap-from-center was high. However, Stewart managed to gain control of the ball. He proceeded to rush the ball. Flags were thrown. The ball was placed on Trotwood-Madison’s 16-Yard Line. On 3^rd Down and 9 from the 24-Yard Line, Stewart ended up being sacked. For a loss of 3-Yards, Stewart was dropped back on the 21-Yard Line. With 2:50 on the clock, it was now 4^th Down and 12. Dominic Reece punted the ball. The ball was downed on Bishop Hartley’s 49-Yard Line. The Hawks’ Offense was unable to get any momentum going. Instead of punting the ball away on 4^th Down and 6, the Hawks decided to run an Offensive Play. The ball was on the Rams’ 47-Yard Line. After the snap, Mason Sawyer was pitched the ball. He was about to throw the ball. To his dismay, Sawyer was never able to release a throw. He was dropped on his team’s 45-Yard Line (1:05).

            On 1^st Down and 10, Stewart completed a 24-Yard Pass to H. Hudson-Davis. H. Hudson-Davis was able to get the ball to Bishop-Hartley’s 21-Yard Line (53.7-Seconds). With the ball still on the 21-Yard Line, it was now 2^nd Down and 10. Stewart kept the ball and he rushed it. As he was approaching the end zone, Stewart fumbled the ball. The ball bounced into the end zone. Flags were thrown too. BHHS was hit with a Personal Foul Penalty. Trotwood-Madison maintained possession. Better yet, the penalty placed the ball on the Hawks’ 1-Yard Line (32.3-Seconds). After three plays and a False Start Penalty (against TMHS), the ball was on the 6-Yard Line. For the Rams, this is where matters got very weird. 4^th Down and Goal was attempted two more times. As each play got underway, Trotwood-Madison was penalized for a False Start Violation. Finally, the play was able to be completed. On 4^th Down and Goal from the 16-Yard Line, Stewart threw a pass to the end zone. Unfortunately, the pass was incomplete (3.6-Seconds). The Rams’ Offensive Drive was a wasted opportunity. At the end of the 2^nd Quarter, Trotwood-Madison leads Bishop Hartley 17-0.

            After the Halftime Break, Bishop Hartley’s Offense started from its 27-Yard Line. At 10:07, the ball was positioned on the 35-Yard Line. On 4^th Down and 2, Jalan January proceeded to take off on a long run. A penalty would reduce January’s long gain. As a result, the ball was placed on Trotwood-Madison’s 44-Yard Line. The ball would go on to only move to the 40-Yard Line. On 4^th Down and 6 from the Rams’ 40-Yard Line, January rushed the ball to the 35-Yard Line (8:00). By falling short 1-Yard, the play failed to obtain a First Down. With 6:31 on the clock, TMHS faced 3^rd Down and 2 from its 43-Yard Line. Stewart rushed the ball to the 48-Yard Line (5-Yards). At this point, TMHS relied on H. Hudson-Davis to move the ball forward. First, he gets the ball to Bishop Hartley’s 45-Yard Line. Next, H. Hudson-Davis obtains a First Down. However, a penalty (against Trotwood-Madison) took away the First Down. The next play started from BHHS’s 48-Yard Line. On 2^nd Down and 5, H. Hudson-Davis picked up the First Down. His 16-Yard Run moved the ball to the 32-Yard Line (5:04).

            From Bishop Hartley’s 32-Yard Line, Trotwood-Madison’s Offensive Drive disintegrated. An Illegal Shift Penalty moved the ball back to the 37-Yard Line. With 3:41 remaining in the 3^rd Quarter, TMHS made a huge mistake. On 2^nd Down and 6 from the 28-Yard Line, the snap-from-center was high. The ball started bouncing on the field. Eventually, Stewart fell on the ball. The ball was downed back on BHHS’s 41-Yard Line. After a high snap, the next play ended with an Incomplete Pass. On 4^th Down and 19 from the 41-Yard Line, Reece made a good punt. The ball was downed on the Hawks’ 10-Yard Line. An ensuing Holding Penalty and a False Start Penalty moved the ball back to the 2-Yard Line. Bishop Hartley went on to go three plays and out. On 4^th Down and 14, the ball was on the 6-Yard Line. At 51.1-Seconds, the ball was punted. The Rams’ Sammy Anderson fielded the punt. When he stopped running, it was 40-Yards later. Anderson was standing in the end zone. Mims’ Extra Point Kick was good. Trotwood-Madison’s lead grew to 24-0.  

            Before the 3^rd Quarter ended, Bishop Hartley made a big play. With the ball on the Hawks’ 27-Yard Line, it was 2^nd Down and 6. At 3.1-Seconds, Fleming completed a 27-Yard Pass to Marcelis Parker. Parker was tackled on the Rams’ 46-Yard Line. At the end of the 3^rd Quarter, Trotwood-Madison still leads Bishop Hartley 24-0. To open the 4^th Quarter, BHHS alternated between Fleming and January. Fleming had 2-Rushes for 12-Yards. January had 3-Rushes for 24-Yards. The ball moved from the Rams’ 46-Yard Line to the Rams’ 10-Yard Line. On 1^st Down and Goal from the 10-Yard Line, January rushed the ball to the 2-Yard Line (8-Yards – 10:39). The next play had January picking up the 2-Yard Touchdown (10:35). A 2-Point Conversion Rush was good. Unfortunately, a Chop Block Penalty negated the conversion. An ensuing 2-Point Conversion Pass was no good. Bishop Hartley trails Trotwood-Madison 24-6.

            After an Onside Kick, Trotwood-Madison started from its 48-Yard Line. As the first play was beginning, Bishop Hartley was penalized for an Offside Violation. That 5-Yard Penalty moved the ball to BHHS’s 47-Yard Line. On 2^nd Down and 4 from the Hawks’ 46-Yard Line, TMHS ended up being penalized. The penalty placed the ball back on the Rams’ 43-Yard Line. At the 8:26 mark, Trotwood-Madison committed a Delay of Game Violation. The ball went from the 42-Yard Line back to the 37-Yard Line. On 3^rd Down and 22, Keon’tae Huguely rushed the ball to the 49-Yard Line (12-Yards – 8:19). The next play ended with Reece punting the ball. The ball was downed on BHHS’s 35-Yard Line. With 7:26 remaining in the game, Fleming completed a 44-Yard Pass to Angelo Evans. Evans was brought down on TMHS’s 21-Yard Line. Bishop Hartley proceeded to put forth a heavy dose of Jalan January. For six, consecutive plays, January was handed the ball. His 20-Rushing Yards got the ball to the 1-Yard Line. On 4^th Down and Goal, January took the ball into the end zone (5:06). The 2-Point Conversion Rush was no good. Trotwood-Madison’s lead has been cut to 24-12.

            Once again, Bishop Hartley made an Onside Kick. This time, the Hawks’ Special Teams Unit recovered the ball. The ball was downed on Trotwood-Madison’s 42-Yard Line. At 4:54 on 2^nd Down and 10, Richard Kenny rushed the ball for 12-Yards (to the 30-Yard Line). The Hawks stuck with the running game. The next, four plays were all runs. With the scoreboard reading 3:40, the ball was on the Rams’ 1-Yard Line. On 2^nd Down and Goal, January got the ball into the end zone. Ryan Hawk’s Extra Point Kick was good. By only 5-Points, BHHS now trails TMHS 24-19. With 3:39 remaining in the game, Trotwood-Madison’s Offense was positioned on its 22-Yard Line. On 1^st Down and 10, H. Hudson-Davis rushed the ball to the 42-Yard Line (20-Yards – 3:32). The Offensive Drive would not experience any further exciting moments. In fact, a penalty and rushes for lost yardage would prevent the ball from achieving multiple gains. At the 3:11 mark, the ball was on the Rams’ 38-Yard Line. On 4^th Down and 14, Reece punted the ball. The ball was downed on the Rams’ 44-Yard Line.

            Bishop Hartley continued to shove January down the throats of Trotwood-Madison’s players. The Offensive Drive started with January having 5-Rushes. Due to a Holding Penalty, one of the runs was negated. On 2^nd Down and 12, the ball was on the Rams’ 32-Yard Line. After the snap, Fleming was sacked. Sammy Anderson brought him down back on the Rams’ 45-Yard Line. The 3^rd Down and 25 Play ended with a deep pass being incomplete. Now, the drive has come down to a critical 4^th Down and 25 Play. Once again, Fleming threw a deep pass. This time, the pass was intercepted by Carl Blanton, Jr. Blanton, Jr. was tackled on his team’s 2-Yard Line (32.7-Seconds). By the Final Score of 24-19, Trotwood-Madison will be moving on to the Division 3 Championship Game. For three quarters, the game was looking like it was going to be a blowout. In the 4^th Quarter, Bishop Hartley came alive. Although the team was still losing, the Hawks took control of the momentum. While I will never be able to know what could have happened, one thought keeps running throughout my mind. Had Bishop Hartley not experienced a Holding Penalty; Sack; and Intercepted Pass (all at the end of the game), would the team have pulled off the ultimate comeback and won the game? That question will always stick with me.