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.