Ohio Locker Room - Narion Local wins rematch in D-V playoffs

Sponsor

Narion Local wins rematch in D-V playoffs

Sunday, 02 November 2008

By Tim Langevin

Sports Writer

ANNA — This was one football game that both coaches preferred playing later than sooner. Kind of like a trip to the dentist. It’s necessary, but not without trepidation.

Regardless, it was a unique scene, a tightly-wrapped bundle of emotions and the inevitable fact that only one team would advance.

This time, Marion Local won the encore performance 13-3 in the first round of Division V football playoff action at jam-packed Booster Field Saturday evening.

The quest continues for a third straight state title for the Flyers, who own a 32-6 playoff record with four state championships in seven appearances.

For the Anna Rockets, a brilliant 9-2 season, along with all the buzz, comes to a conclusion.

“This game ranks up there,” winning Marion Local coach Tim Goodwin said. “It was four quarters of action-packed football.”

Anna coach Bryan Rioch agreed, “It must have been a fun game to watch. The fans definitely got their money’s worth.”

The first quarter ended in a scoreless battle, but Anna moved the ball on their opening possession 57 yards. Running back Dan Stewart, who missed four games with a back injury, ignited the drive with a 41-yard run on the third play of the game. That would prove to be the longest play from scrimmage for either team.

However, Anna was unable to convert on fourth and nine from Marion’s 19-yard-line when Wes Hunsucker’s pass was bobbled by Zach Clark in the back of the endzone.

Rioch said, “I felt the kids came out nervous and flat. They seemed afraid to commit to the plays.”

The second quarter was much of the same with both defenses rising to the challenge. Anna recovered two fumbles and Marion Local intercepted a pass.

The lone score of the half came on a 30-yard field goal by Zach Clark with 9.7 seconds left until intermission. Anna led 3-0.

The field goal was set up by a pass interference call which placed the football on Marion’s 13-yard line.

Goodwin said, “We felt good at half. We had some breaks go against us, but the kids fought hard.”The third quarter was the turning point for the Flyers. Marion Local scored on a play more peculiar than fiction. On third and 10, Anna’s Hunsucker dropped back to pass from his 10-yard-line and it was picked off by Tyler Mescher. He had the ball ripped away but it landed in the hands of teammate Kerry Roberts standing in the endzone. Marion Local led 7-3 with 5:47 remaining in the third quarter.

The ensuing Flyer kickoff was mishandled and the Rockets were forced to start from their one yard line. Four plays later, Anna was forced to punt. Marion Local was back in business, but a key sack by Cody Bensman forced the Flyers to settle for a 33-yard field goal attempt. Jeff Moeller’s kick was wide left and Anna escaped from horrible field position.

“They flipped the field on us in the second half. Their kids made the plays and we missed some opportunities,” Rioch said.

Flyer QB Troy Prenger left the game in the third quarter for two series. Goodwin said, “He got his bell rung.” Junior back up Jarren Griesdorn completed 2-of-3 passes for 18 yards and seemed to bring a calmness to a hectic game.

“Griesdorn is a good quarterback,” Goodwin stated. “I wasn’t concerned when he had to go in. Both have battled for the starting job all season.”

When Prenger returned in the fourth quarter, he made his presence known with an elusive 12-yard TD run to ice the game 13-3 with 2:44 left.

It wasn’t a spectacular night for quarterbacks. Prenger completed 4-of-10 passes for 47 yards with one interception and two fumbles. Hunsucker completed 9-of-23 for 89 yards with three interceptions.

After being torched by Hunsucker last week, Goodwin made some defensive adjustments. Coach explained, “We decided to rush our front four and have our linebackers drop back and just read the quarterback.”

If there was an individual standout, it was Smith. As the going got tough, he got tougher, rushing for 51 of his 115 yards in the final period.

“Ben had some nice runs. The field was more conducive to his slashing running style. Last week the field was slippery and wet,” Goodwin said.

And so, after eight quarters of football between two evenly-matched teams: Anna 19, Marion Local 19. The big difference, the Flyers advance and will next play Waynesville in the regional semifinals at Sidney Memorial Stadium Saturday at 7 p.m.

Waynesville defeated West Liberty Salem 34-9.

Yardstick

ML A

First downs 14 9

Total yards 249 182

By rushing 184 86

By passing 65 96

Passes attempted 15 23

Comp/Int. 6/1 9/3

Penalties/yards 6/45 5/35

Fumbles/Lost 4/2 0/0

Punts/Average 3/36 5/34