Dixie Runs, Shoots Against South
J. C. Tilton
With Dixie's new coach comes a new look. Although this is his first year at the helm, Genslinger has been an assistant at Dixie - so this is an easier transition.
Genslinger has the team in a run and shoot shotgun formation this season. Something that local teams don't see that much of in their schedules. There is high risk with this type of offense, but also the potential for high gain. This is my impression after this first game - it made for an exciting night.
The first score of the night was set up by a South interception. They were able to capitalize the turnover and generated a drive that drew paydirt. Anthony Armstrong would run the final 7 yards to score. Dixie was then responded with a Miller to Livingston TD pass. That would end the scoring for the time being as the first half ended in a 7-7 tie.
In the second half, South received the ball, but couldn't sustain their drive. Dixie then turned around and threw an interception which Flynn returned to the Dixie 15 yard line. The Dixie defense gave up yards grudgingly, but Armstrong was able to get a first down on 4th and inches. Placing the ball inside the 5. But South turned around and fumbled the ball which was recovered by Hubler of Dixie.
Dixie started on their own 4 yard line, but didn't stay there for long. Miller broke out to about the Dixie 30 yard line, then Wilson carried to the TVS 15 yardline. But a mishandled snap forced Dixie into a 4th and 27 situation which killed that drive. But in the battle of field position, Dixie had put South on a long field - TVS took over on their own 16 yard line. They could not do much and punted. Dixie then started on their own 40 yard line. Tyler Wilson ripped off a run of over 40 yards to put the Greyhounds on top. The extra point was partially blocked, but Dixie was up 13-7 early in the 4th quarter.
TVS needed to respond, but a fumble on their first play from scrimmage put Dixie in good field position. Then Dixie returned the favor and threw an interception which Flynn picked off. With 7:44 left South was on their own 6 yard line. They were able to drive out of the red zone. But the drive stalled on their own 31 yard line. It was 4th and one and South elected to gamble and go for the first down. The Dixie defense held firm and once again Dixie had a short field.
Nick Miller was able to run the ball to the South 4 yard line. But the touchdown was a Miller to Ben Spahr pass. The extra point try failed, but Dixie had a two score lead, 19-7 and time as a factor as there were less than 4 minutes left in the game for TVS to complete 2 drives. South tried gamely to make up the difference. Armstrong was able to connect with Scott Leedy to move the ball downfield, but in that drive a holding penalty would move them back. Then Ben Spahr picked off a pass to end this drive. Dixie turned over the ball on downs, but the Dixie defense again made a play when it had to - an interception ended the last drive of the night for TVS. Dixie would get the win 19-7. Next week South travels to Mississinnewa Valley and Dixie hosts New Miami.
Coach Genslinger was pleased with his teams first victory of the season. The team had 456 yards of total offense. South did accumulate about 250 yards of offense for the game. Highlighted by Tyler Wilson's 215 yards on 24 carries and Nick Miller who was 12of 18 on his throws and had 178 yards in the air. He felt that team has done a decent job of picking up the new offense so far - although improvement is needed. He also stated that the South team was better than how they did against Dixie, he looked for them to improve.
Stats from the game: Dixie's Wilson had 24 carries for 215 yards; Nick Miller 12 carries for 31 yards; Woody Earls 1-5yds; Eddie Bellman 1-1yd. Rushing for TVS - Spencer Irving carried 18 times for 129 yards; Scott Leedy 1-11yds; Jeremy Bass 1-8yds; Justin Flynn 1-0yd. Armstrong 13-(-3)yds.
Passing: Dixie - Nick Miller 12-18-3 int 171yds; Ben Spahr 1-1-30yd; TVS Armstrong 8-20-2 int 101yds.
Receiving: Dixie - Ben Spahr 6-68yds; Livingston 4-85; Blosser 2-29; Wilson 1-19; L:eedy 5-79; Keener 1-7; Spencer 1-6.
Defense: Dixie Interceptions - Spahr 1; Bingham 1.
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