Blue Lions Fight To Stay In Playoff Race Against McClain
By: Will Price
Posted on:
GREENFIELD, Ohio- With only two games left in the season, the Washington Court House Blue Lions (6-3,) were hoping for a statement win over the McClain Tigers (2-7) to keep their playoff hopes alive. McClain was looking to play spoiler.
The Blue Lions responded with one of their most complete games of the season.
Court House dominated every facet of the game and took one step closer to playing in Week 11 as they beat the Tigers 51-7 in Greenfield.
Court House didn’t waste much time taking the lead. It was receiver Eli Rogers who got the scoring started. Rogers hauled in a deep pass from quarterback Ethan Rogers-Wright for a 36-yard score that gave the Blue Lions a 6-0 lead halfway through the first quarter.
McClain fumbled the ball on their ensuing possession, and it didn’t take long for Court House to capitalize on the turnover. Rodgers-Wright found senior Jerome Mack on a screen pass the very next play, and he ran untouched down the sideline for a 57-yard score. Running back Jamie McCane hauled in the two-point conversion pass to push the lead to 14-0.
Next on the board was the Blue Lions’ defense. Early in the second quarter, running back Matt Bliss fumbled the ball into his own end zone. The Tigers managed to recover the ball for a safety, and Court House added two points on the board to extend the lead to 16-0.
That was the highlight for the defense, who put forth a dominant effort from the first snap. Their front seven stuffed the power running game of McClain, constantly forcing third-and-long situations. They scored on the safety and forced two turnovers in the first half, a fumble and an interception for junior Trevin Downing that set up a short touchdown run for McCane.
McCane punctuated the victory with an efficient performance on the ground. His offensive line opened lanes and he capitalized for two first-half touchdowns. He was complemented nicely by the arm of Rogers-Wright, who had the two early touchdowns passes on his own.
The Tigers had their moments, but struggled with turnovers and penalties throughout the first two quarters. They managed a couple stops defensively, including a Quinton Smith interception in the second quarter.
In the end, Court House came out looking to make a statement. They entered tonight in the 10th seed in division four, region 16, with the top eight earning playoff spots. They are among eight teams vying for the final three spots in the postseason.
McClain works to end their season in a high note against Hillsboro next week on senior night in Greenfield. Court House looks to secure their playoff spot at Miami Trace.