Buckeyes Spoil Homecoming, Ravage Struggling Marauders
By: Dylan Theisen
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POMEROY, Ohio – Following three consecutive home wins, the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes marched into Meigs with an unmistakable appetite. While the Marauders hoped to stand their ground on Homecoming night, the Buckeye’s steady offense held a firm control of the narrative.
Meigs’ offense stepped out onto the field with the wrong foot forward. What appeared to be a breakaway play for running back Abe Lundy was soon brought back when officials marked him down just a few yards ahead of the line of scrimmage. Fans certainly made their frustrations heard; however, the Marauders were never quite able to get back on top.
Nelsonville-York was quick to respond with a 55-yard touchdown from crucial playmaker Keegan Wilburn. With just thirty seconds of offense, the Buckeyes had sent a silencing message to the Meigs side of the stadium.
The Buckeyes’ early momentum is owed to the success of checkdowns in the passing game of quarterback Mikey Seel, who finished the night with 204 yards and a 60% completion rate. In the first half, Seel generated nine pass plays over two scoring possessions for 121 yards. His accuracy was highlighted by a 45-yard pass that thread the needle to receiver Ethan Gail, who snagged a touchdown on that same drive.
Though down 21-0, the Marauders found some light in the persistence of their ground game. Lundy’s devotion to playing through the whistle allowed Meigs to chip away at the Buckeye’s defense in the second quarter. Combined with persistent penalties for Nelsonville-York, Lundy was able to drive the Marauders into the endzone.
As the half drew to a close, Wilburn once again weaved through the Meigs defense for an electric 70-yard touchdown. The Marauders woefully made their way to the locker room, heads hanging low. Wilburn finished the night with only four carries but 134 yards.
Seel and the Buckeyes continued to utilize all of their weapons throughout the second half. Wideout Brandon Phillips picked up 100 yards, while Gail and Wilburn combined for 102 receiving yards.
Nelsonville-York manufactured a steady stream of offensive action in the air, capped by a breakout running game. Compounded with the Buckeyes’ restraint of the Marauders attack, the Buckeyes finished with an assertive 42-6 victory.
Next week, Nelsonville-York looks to stay hot at home against the Wellston Golden Rockets, who have been steamrolling their competition. Meanwhile, the Marauders hope to find their rhythm when they travel to Athens and face the Bulldogs.