Washington wins fourth straight game, beats McClain in conference opener
By: Charlie Lusk
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GREENSFIELD, Ohio (WOUB) — During their Homecoming game, the McClain Tigers hosted the Washington Blue Lions to open conference play. In a seemingly wide-open Frontier Athletic Conference, both communities rallied to add another chapter to the rivalry. Despite a valiant effort from the Tigers, their Homecoming was spoiled by the Lions as they picked up a 42 to 27 road win.
The offensive first drive was a sign of things to come for the Washington offense. In the first three minutes, Lions quarterback Sam Pfeifer and tail back Andrew Young drove the Lions right outside the red zone. After stalling, the drive ended with McClain forcing a turnover on downs.
The Lion’s defense picked up right where the offensive production left off forcing a fumble on a third down run which was recovered by Tharon McCracken. Sam Pfeifer capitalized immediately, finding Noah Haithcook near the sidelines over 30 yards out, putting Washington on the board first.
McClain’s response on the ensuing drive was loud, establishing the passing game. Quarterback Hudson Lovett was lethal in the pocket in that drive hitting pinpoint pass after pinpoint pass on the run. This comminated into a 26-yard-high ball that was caught by receiver Leland Bond over his man in the endzone.
McClain fell down 21 to 13 to end the half, but two big turnovers kept Washington at arm’s length. An interception by Leland Bond at the end of the first half, and then a fumble recovery inside their own 10-yard line by defensive lineman Noah Sponcil. However, the Tigers forced the ball right back into their hands with a forced fumble of their own and gave the rock to Aden Osborne who rushed it in for another score to make it 28 to 13.
After getting a safety, McClain embarked on a long offensive drive capped by another phenomenal touchdown catch by Leland Bond from Hudson Lovett to send the McClain faithful into a frenzy and cut the lead to 7.
This Tiger momentum died however when Lion Matthew Colefish picked off a Lovett ball inside their own 15-yard line for a pick six. Essentially sealing the nail in the coffin into the game.
McClain found the endzone once more, but a third Pfeifer to Haitchcook passing touchdown was the last of the night.
After an impressive road win, Washington starts FAC play 1-0 and will look to extend their streak when they host Chillicothe. As for McClain, they lick their wounds as they look forward to traveling to Jackson to continue their conference campaign.