Eastern rushing attack overpowers Monroe Central
By: Charlie Lusk
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REEDSVILLE, Ohio (WOUB) – On a chilly Friday night in Reedsville, the Eastern Eagles hosted the Monroe Central Seminoles in the Regional Quarterfinals. Coming off a 48-0 victory over Berne Union, the Eagles were confident and excited to play in front of the Eastern faithful one last time this season. The players got their wish as they shined on all sides of the ball in a commanding 55 to 14 victory.
Eastern’s campaign got off to a quick start. After receiving the opening kickoff, the Eagles would drive down the field in less than 45 seconds of game time capped off by a 30-yard rushing touchdown by Gavin Smith. After forcing Monroe Central to punt on the next drive, the Eastern rushing attack would get active once again.
Halfway through the first quarter, Rylee Barrett broke off a 59-yard run to take the Eagles inside the 10 before pounding the ball into the endzone. Rylee Barrett had himself a night for the ages as he would find the endzone four more times that night. His speed, combined with a crushing offensive line would overwhelm the Seminole defense all night.
On top of a lethal rushing attack, Eastern made several big plays on defense and special teams. In the first quarter, it looked like Monroe Central quarterback Tucker Howell would slowly but surely take advantage of Eastern’s zone defense through short, quick strikes. But the minute that the Seminoles looked threatening offensively, the Eagles clamped up and stopped any momentum.
CJ Smeeks and Brandon Oldaker both intercepted Howell passes. Even on special teams, the Eagles were making big plays. Eastern recovered two different squib kicks to retain possession away from Monroe Central.
Through possession, offense, defense and special teams, Eastern played a complete game. Other than a few too many holding penalties, the Eagles played a perfect game against a very solid Seminoles team.
After an up and down season for Monroe Central, it ends in heartbreaking fashion in a 55-14 loss. As for Eastern, the number one seed will look to continue their playoff run into the regional semi-finals and further.