Sports
Recap: Nelsonville-York Offense Struggles, As Season Ends With 14-6 loss to Lucasville Valley.
By: Marisa Salopek
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For the first time in four years, the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes made the playoffs, and traveled to Lucasville Valley to take on the No. 2 seed Indians. Unfortunately for them, the last time Lucasville Valley lost on their home turf was in 2010 and tonight was no different.
Under a full moon in Lucasville, the Buckeyes fought a close, defensive-heavy battle that ultimately ended in a 14-6 loss. After finishing behind Athens in the TVC-Ohio and clinching a spot in the playoffs, the future for the Buckeyes seemed optimistic.
Relying heavily on their running game proved to be unsuccessful for the Buckeyes against the Indians defense. Both teams’ efforts to travel upfield would stall and most of the first quarter was played in the middle of the field. Between the numerous false start penalties, dropped passes, and interceptions, both teams struggled offensively.
The deciding factor for the Buckeyes was their struggling offense. Sophomore quarterback Hunter Edwards only completed four of 14 passes for 78 passing yards and had all five on the Buckeyes turnovers including three interceptions and two fumbles.
Jeremy Warren had 19 carries for 103 yards while Alex Mount contributed two catches for 69 yards and scored the Buckeyes only touchdown on a 25-yard touchdown. Though N-Y picked up many first downs, they were not enough to push them forward.
The Indians offense had similar misfortunes in the first half. Offensive penalties hindered their progression. Lucasville Valley made it 1st and goal at the five-yard line late in the first half but lost their opportunity after a missed snap that took them back 20 yards. Adding to their misfortunates, on an attempted 32-yard field goal fake, the Indians lost the ball and N-Y took over.
Though the Buckeyes held off the Indians the first two quarters and entered the half tied at zero, the second half was a different story for these two offenses.
Lucasville Valley scored on the first drive of the third quarter and followed shortly after with another touchdown pushing them 14-0 in the third quarter. N-Y responded when Hunter Edwards threw a 25 yard touchdown pass to Jeremy Warren making it 14-6. Though the Buckeyes tried to make their comeback, it was not enough to close out the game.
With the loss, the Buckeyes finish the season with a 7-4 record, which was much improved from the 4-6 record from 2013.