Sports

What began as a defensive battle quickly switched scripts when the second half came. A first half defensive stalemate quickly became more open when the second half came around. The game ended with Piketon beating Vinton County 36-26.

In the first half, turnovers dominated the early parts of the game. On the first drive of the game Vinton County fumbled at the Piketon three-yard line, squashing an early threat and keeping the Vinton offense at bay for much of the half. Piketon also turned the ball over in the red zone on its first drive, a misleading start to the game. As a whole, the teams combined for four first half turnovers.  The first quarter ended scoreless, but the rest of the game was able to provide action for what the first quarter lacked. In the second quarter, Piketon scored on two red zone rushes and a passing touchdown.

Many big plays for Piketon came the way of receiver Travis Veach who had a plethora of big receptions and constantly kept the chains moving.  Piketon quarterback Gabe Birkhimer was a constant threat to make big plays. As the game developed, he slowly began to make the necessary plays for his team to win. Big plays often provide the difference in games and once again this proved the case.

Outscoring Vinton County 20-7 in the second quarter was instrumental in Piketon’s eventual victory. Half time leads are often good indicators to the rest of the game and that proved true once more.

For Vinton County their attempt to get back in the game revolved around junior quarterback Naylan Yates finding freshman receiver Jayden Spires. However, the comeback never came to fruition as Piketon held onto the lead for the entirety of the game. The game drops Vinton County to 0-2 on the season. The game should provide an uplifting mindset going into week 3 with the fight they were able to show in the second half. Vinton County will look to get its first win at home against Fairfield Union next Friday. The game also improves Piketon to 1-1, giving them a great outlook going into week 3 when it faces Valley at home.