Defense leads Bloom-Carroll over top-seeded Sheridan
By: Andrew Bowlby
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LANCASTER, Ohio (WOUB) — On a rainy and freezing Friday night Bloom-Carroll (11-1) and Sheridan (11-1) met playing for a spot in next week’s regional final.
Defense reigned supreme for the Bulldogs in route to their 17-7 win over the Generals.
The game’s opening possession went to the Bulldogs and they marched the ball down the field patiently. Using their powerful rushing attack Bloom-Carroll ate up nine minutes of the opening quarter before finally being stopped in the red zone. Following a long drive they had to settle for a short field goal from Treyton McKee making the score 3-0.
The Generals did not have the same level of offensive success as they went three and out on their first two drives.
Despite the offensive struggles the defense was able to step up keeping Sheridan in the game. They forced two three and outs of their own including a near miss on a potential pick six.
In the middle of the second quarter Sheridan had the ball inside their own territory and quarterback Caden Sheridan threw an interception to Jett Jones. Although the return was wiped away because of a flag, Andrew Marshall made his impact by scoring a rushing touchdown increasing the Bulldogs lead to 10-0.
At half Sheridan was down 10 and needed an offensive spark on their first drive in the second half. However, they were unable to find the spark as the Bulldog defense continued to dominate and make things miserable for the Sheridan offense.
Early in the fourth quarter Bloom-Carroll found the knockout punch they needed from quarterback Ethan Thanthanavong. A short rushing touchdown seemingly put the game out of reach at 17-0.
Sheridan was able to score a long touchdown to Andrew Holden after the pass attempt was deflected by multiple Bloom-Carroll defenders. On the ensuing onside kick attempt it appeared Sheridan recovered; however, the officials ruled it to be Bulldogs ball.
Sheridan was able to get a stop and get the ball back, but the Bulldogs forced another interception punctuating the win.
For Sheridan their season comes to a disappointing end at 11-2. Bloom-Carroll improves to 12-1 and will play Bishop Watterson (12-1) next week.