Portsmouth pulls off 13-point comeback against Amanda-Clearcreek
By: Thomas Billington
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PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WOUB) — The Trojan Colosseum played host to a first-round playoff battle between the Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (9), and the Portsmouth Trojans (8). This game is the first time these two teams have played since 2000 when the Trojans would take the victory in that matchup. The Trojans would hold their win streak defeating the Aces 35-16.
This game would start with the Aces ball. The Trojans would win the coin toss but would defer getting the ball until the second. The Aces struck early in the first with an excellent catch from and 61-yard run from Tommy Stai. The extra point was good, allowing Amanda-Clearcreek to take an early 7-0 lead.
The Trojans would get the ball back with plenty of time left in the first, but the Aces wouldn’t allow the Trojans to gain any advantage. Amanda-Clearcreek would cause Portsmouth to punt the ball back after a minute of game time.
The Aces used this as an opportunity to get farther ahead, as the Ace’s punt returner Tanner Affolter would run for 61 yards. This gave Amanda-Clearcreek an excellent opportunity. After multiple foals and third downs, the Aces would find the end zone. As the Aces extended their lead with a rushing touchdown but were unable to convert their two-point attempt, making the score 13-0.
The Trojans would get the ball back and needed to score on their next possession to stay in the game. With a minute and a half left in the first quarter, the Trojans took a chance on fourth down and managed to get the ball into the Aces territory. This was the first time the Aces would be on the back foot. The first quarter would end with the Trojans on the doorstep of the end zone, as time expired in the first.
The Trojans struck early in the second quarter as senior Chase Heiland rushed 12 yards for Portsmouth’s first touchdown. The extra point was good, making the score 13-7 in favor of the Aces.
The Aces would get the ball back and looked to extend their lead. But a pass from the Aces was tipped and resulted in an interception, giving the Trojans the ball at the Aces 45. The Trojans would find themselves scoring again. This time Heiland would rush into the end zone dragging multiple defenders with him. Making the score 14-13 in favor of the Trojans.
The Aces would get the ball again, but Portsmouth would keep up the onslaught. As the Trojans rushed the offensive, causing a fumble that Portsmouth recovered. Giving them the ball deep into Ace territory. The Trojans found the end zone once more this time with a pass caught by Chase Heiland and the extra point was good, making the score 21-13 Portsmouth.
The Portsmouth Trojans would win this game, 35-16, which is an impressive achievement as the team was down by 13. This comeback was aided by Heiland as he would put up 21 unanswered points. The Trojans look forward to the next round of the playoffs as the Ironton Fighting Tigers.