South Overwhelms North
J. C. Tilton
In a role reversal from a year ago, it was South who overwhelmed North for a homecoming victory. Last season it was North that had a senior laden, playoff bound team. They easily manhandled South. But this season the ranks of the North team are thin with juniors and seniors. Most of the team is sophomores and freshmen. Plus they have a new head coach, meaning that they have a new system to learn as well. This season, South has shook off the lethargy of the past and are well on their way to their first winning team in a long time. The young North team showed flashes of what they are capable of, but turnovers and mistakes ended several drives. Experience was key to this game.
Senior Joe Maleski caught a Josh Flynn pass for a 33 yard touchdown reception to start the scoring in the first quarter. North came close to answering on their drive. Going all the way to the South 8 before turning over the ball on downs. South's next touchdown was set up by a Matt Wentlender interception. Getting the ball at midfield, it only took South 2 plays to score. JT Stone rambled for yardage only to have an illegal block move the ball back at the end of the play. Marcus Boyd caught a 29 yard TD pass Josh Flynn to cap the drive.
The next North drive ended with a fumble and another drive fizzled when a Jesse Koeller sack put them in long yardage and then a 4th down pass fell incomplete. South was able to score again just before the half. A touchdown pass had been called back when an ineligible receiver was down field, but with 20 seconds left Josh Flynn found Marcus Boyd in the endzone to make it 21-0 at the half.
The third quarter began with even more frustration for North. A North fumble close to the goal line was scooped up by Josh Flynn and carried in for a score. South increased their lead in the half, but North was able to avoid a shut out when Kyle Booth caught a rainbow pass for North's only score of the night. Both teams exhibited good talent in the younger classes. Freshman Stephan Balthis ended the scoring for South with a 63 yard carry. This may be the last blow out that we will see between these two teams for several years.
Coach Cottingim said, “This was a great winning for homecoming and to get a win over your rival makes it really special. We built up a nice lead in the first half and then we came out in the second half with the same intensity and put the game away. The seniors did almost all the scoring - this was the first time that they had beat North and you could see that they wanted this game. It was nice to be able to give the scout team some playing time in the 4th quarter. We have had to cancel some JV games, so it was great for them that they got a taste of what it's like to play on Friday night.”
Next Coach Cottingim was asked about Miami East, “This is going to be a huge game both for us and for Miami East. They are very similar in record and in scoring to TVS. We have got to keep winning if we want any chance for league in case Covington falls. This game will also dictate any hopes that we have for playing in week 11.” Comments email: Chris Tilton
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