Sports
Alexander’s Comeback Falls Short Against Nelsonville-York [VIDEO]
By: Marisa Salopek
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The Nelsonville-York’s homecoming game quickly went from what looked like an easy win to a nail-biter. Nelsonville-York’s 28-0 halftime lead shrank quickly when Alexander piled on 21 unanswered points in the second half on three consecutive touchdown drives.
With just over three minutes remaining in the game, Alexander’s onside kick was recovered by Nelsonville-York and returned 33 yards. A security touchdown allowed the Buckeyes to hold on and clinch the 35-21 win.
Nelsonville-York (6-2) came out hot and quickly vaulted into the lead, scoring a quick touchdown, courtesy of running back Alex Mount, in the first minute of play and extended its lead to a several touchdown margin.
Brody McGrath struggled throwing the ball, tossing three interceptions in the first half alone and the Buckeyes took advantage to the tune of 13 points off of turnovers. A second-half fumble further contributed to Alexander’s woes.
The Buckeyes benefited from a short running game with their scoring drives from 15, 11, six and two yards, making it difficult for the Spartans to contain them that close to the goal.
Though the Buckeyes seemed to be dominate in the first half, several of their struggles foreshadowed what would unfold in the second half. The aforementioned 15-yard drive took six plays and 3:22 to complete and the offense’s productivity dropped in the final 30 minutes.
Alexander had the opportunity to cut into the lead before halftime when Trey Russell recovered a fumble on an interception return from Nelsonville-York’s Jakob Talbert, but the drive stalled.
Instead, a 21-yard pass from Hunter Edwards to Jeremy Warren with 19.2 seconds left in the half pushed the Buckeyes to a 28-0 lead.
Alexander’s 21 second-half points would stand as its third-highest single game point total on the season, but it was too little too late.
Another tough task lies ahead for Alexander when they take on the undefeated Trimble Tomcats (8-0) next week.
As for Nelsonville-York, Vinton County (1-7) awaits in Week 8.