Aces overcome 16-point deficit behind Martin’s two rushing touchdowns
By: Ella Hughes
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AMANDA, Ohio (WOUB) – The Amanda-Clearcreek Aces capped off their Aces Against Cancer week with a Mid-State conference win against the Circleville Tigers. The Aces would make a big comeback in the second half to win 33-26 putting them 1-1 in conference play.
On the first play of the game, Circleville forced a fumble resulting in an Aces turnover. The Tigers’ drive would stall and they would turn the ball back over on downs.
The first half was all Tigers as they dominated on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Hudson Phalin had a 5-yard rushing touchdown to open the scoring. Phalin followed his rushing touchdown with a dominant passing performance, throwing two more touchdowns to give Circleville a 19-0 lead.
The Aces struggled against the Tigers’ defense with fumbles, interceptions, and blocked punts. However, they were able to cut into the Circleville lead with a field goal, ending the first half 19-3.
The Aces started the third quarter off with bang, capitalizing on a kickoff fumble from the Tigers. Luke Anderson recovered the fumble for a touchdown and with a good 2-point conversion the Aces were only down eight points.
Aces running back, Bodie Martin, turned it on in the second half dominating the Tigers defense with a string of strong runs. Martin’s first touchdown was a 5-yard rush to tie the game. Martin really showed off his speed when he ran 75-yards to the house for the go-ahead touchdown that made it 26-19.
The Tigers fought hard against the strong Amanda defense, putting themselves in position to force overtime. Bodie Martin not only showed out on offense but came up big on defense as well. With just three seconds left on the clock the Tigers threatened to tie, but Martin made the game ending stop.
Amanda-Clearcreek takes the win 33-26 after their commanding second half play. The Aces hope to keep it rolling at Hamilton Township next week.