Nelsonville-York defense on lockdown, offense explodes in win over Centerburg
By: Jack Demmler, Payton Brooker
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NELSONVILLE, Ohio (WOUB) — On Saturday, the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes hosted the Centerburg Trojans in this eight-nine seed matchup in the Region 23 playoff bracket.
The Buckeyes came into Boston Field dominating this game as they would not give up a lead for the whole game. Nelsonville-York would end up on top 42-9 to move on to the regional quarterfinals.
The Buckeyes had an offensive impact on the ground, and they followed through with running back Hudson Stalder. On his 16 carries, he rushed for 159 yards and 3 touchdowns being one Nelsonville-York’s most productive players.
Quarterback Drew Carter also had an impact on the ground with 68 yards and 1 touchdown in his final home game of his high school career.
A key factor for the Buckeyes dominant game is their defense. This defense would stop the majority of all drives with three and outs and multiple stops on the ground. Through the air, defensive back Makhi Williams would have 2 interceptions, with one of those for a pick-six.
Special teams would also be a difference maker for the Buckeyes, as the line would block a punt in the 3rd quarter, recovered by Gavin Richards for a Nelsonville-York scoop-and-score. The Buckeyes proved in this game that wherever they’re on the field, there is always a chance to capitalize on a scoring opportunity.
For the Centerburg Trojans, the inability to contain the multiple run plays made by the Buckeyes would influence the result of this game.
Most of their offense was evened out between quarterback Jack Gregory, who would pass the only touchdown for Centerburg, and running back Tyler Johnson who would rush for 126 yards. The Trojans would end their season going 6-4.
The next game for the Buckeyes will be against the number 1 seeded Fort Frye Cadets. The last time these two-schools met was in 2019 in the regular season, as Fort Frye came up victorious 64-21.
“Fort Frye is a tall task, as they’ve been the bully in our region for the last couple years,” head coach Rusty Richards says. “We’re the eight seed and they’re the one seed, so we got nothing to lose. So, with play otherwise, it’s all on the table”.
This game between Nelsonville-York and Fort Frye should be a game to watch in Southeastern Ohio. Kickoff for this game will be 7:00 p.m. at Cadet Stadium.