Bloom-Carroll gives Highland a sense of deja-vu from Week One, captures win in the playoffs
By: Bryan Kurp, Tim Hanna
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CARROLL, Ohio (WOUB) — It was a week 1 rematch at Bloom-Carroll High School (11-0) as they hosted the Highland Fighting Scots (8-3). Earlier this year, Bloom-Carroll took the win 49-17 and planned to carry the momentum after their shut out win last week.
On the opening drive of the game, Highland would drive the ball deep into the Bulldogs territory, but would have to settle for a field goal after a strong red zone showing by the Bloom-Carroll defense. The Fighting Scots would take the 3-0 lead deep into the second quarter.
Late in the second quarter, The Fighting Scots were unable to convert a critical fourth down and Bloom-Carroll took over on downs. In a huge momentum shift, the Bulldogs put together their best drive of the night. They marched down the field and Caleb Plantz punched it in from 5 yards out to give them a 7-3 lead.
Coming out of the half, Bloom-Carroll’s momentum continued. On the first possession of the half, the Bulldogs drove 30 yards right down the field. The drive was capped off by a 16-yard touchdown to senior WR Beau Wisecarver. The Bulldogs took the 14-3 lead and never looked back. They would hold out to win by a final score of 31-3.
Despite a slow start in the first half, the Bulldogs caught their stride in the second half. QB K.J. Benedict finished with 182 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. Wisecarver hauled in 6 catches for 56 yards and a touchdown. He also passed for a touchdown on a muffed field goal.
Bloom-Carroll will face off against Heath on Friday at a neutral site in the OHSAA Division IV, Region 15 Regional Semifinals.