Backup quarterback shines in Hamilton Township’s convincing victory
By: Jake Collins
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OBETZ, Ohio (WOUB) – Hamilton Township’s explosive second half propels the Rangers (5-3) to a 47-20 victory over the Liberty Union Lions (2-6).
A much-needed victory for the Rangers who currently sit in the top 16 for Division three, region 11’s playoff picture and look to clinch a spot within the next two weeks.
Hamilton Township’s run offense paved the way to victory with the Rangers having 552 rushing yards with six rushing touchdowns, with Quarterback Javon McBride providing 316 yards and four touchdowns.
Hamilton Township was not in full control in the game from the opening kickoff. Liberty Union drove down the field on their opening drive looking for the game’s first score. Running back Max Harris would bounce to the outside on his 4-yard run to put Liberty Union ahead 7-0.
Hamilton Township looked to answer the drive with their own score. However, the Rangers had back-to-back giveaways, including one interception thrown at the goal line in their first drive.
Luck would change for Hamilton Township after Harris fumbled on his catch-and-run attempt for the Lions, which was scooped up by Lance Reynolds who returned the fumble 24 yards to the endzone to equalize the score 7-7.
Early into the second quarter, Hamilton Township starting quarterback Lucas King had to leave the game due to a lower-body injury. Mcbride would fill the role for the rest of the game.
Hamilton Township immediately scored on their drive with Gabe Komrabi-Kanu’s 49-yard rushing touchdown that would put Hamilton Township in the lead 13-7, a lead that the Rangers kept for the rest of the game.
In the second half, Hamilton Township drove down the field in a handful of plays and capped off the drive with Kyren Sheppard’s touchdown off the Jet Sweep to extend the lead to 13.
McBride continued the dominance for Hamilton Township as his explosive play turned into touchdowns of 20, seven, one and 25 yards in his four rushing touchdowns to help Hamilton Township outscore Liberty Union 34-13 in the second half to solidify the Ranger’s victory.
Hamilton Township will look to extend their win streak as they travel to the Bloom-Carroll Bulldogs (6-2). A matchup that the Rangers won last year, 31-28.
Liberty Union will seek another victory before the end of the 2024 season as the Lions will face Circleville (3-5). Both squads need to win out to potentially make the 2024 OHSAA state playoffs.