Strong Marietta start shakes up TSL standings
By: TJ Sweeney
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MARIETTA, Ohio (WOUB) – The Marietta Tigers welcomed Point Pleasant for week two of TSL play. A strong Marietta first half led to an impressive 24-3 win against Point Pleasant.
Marietta’s first drive was slow but effective. With a mix of run and pass plays, the Tigers marched down the field and drained the clock. Over the course of the drive, Marietta converted on 3rd down four times. To cap off the drive, Quarterback Drew Warden found receiver Owen Riley on 3rd and 11 for a 15-yard touchdown reception.
Point Pleasant went three and out on their opening drive, and Marietta returned the favor with a turnover on downs at the Point Pleasant 39-yard line.
Point’s next drive gave a glimmer of hope, which would ultimately be crushed. On 2nd and 2, Brady Bowen took the ball 53 yards for a Point Pleasant touchdown, but ultimately the play is called back for a holding at the line of scrimmage. Point could not bounce back, and Marietta forced the punt.
The Tigers took over on their own 38-yard line and the Warden to Riley connection was back on. Warden found Riley for a 35-yard reception to move Marietta down the field. Point made a red zone defensive stand to hold the Tigers to a field goal. Braxten Lang made a 20-yard field goal to put Marietta ahead by 10.
In the second quarter, it seemed like Point Pleasant had woken up. Point was moving down the field and running backs Connor Hatten and Issaac Creel were leading the way. Hatten broke away for a 29-yard rush and on the very next play, Creel rushed for 22 yards. Point continued to move the chains all the way to Marietta’s 21-yard line. Marietta got a lifeline as the Tigers forced a fumble and Owen Riley took it from their 21-yard line all the way to the Point 24-yard line.
Riley made another red zone catch to set up his running back, Seth Britton, for a 5-yard rushing touchdown. The Tigers went up 17-0 with 36 seconds left in the first half.
Point Pleasant was not done fighting yet. On the first play after kickoff, Quarterback Caden Hill finds Reece Hunt for a 42-yard completion. Point fought to get within field goal range and salvaged three points before halftime. Alex Shrader makes a 41-yard field goal as time expires to bring his team within 14 points.
After half, Marietta added another touchdown to their tally whereas Point Pleasant could not find the scoreboard.
Next week, we are in for a TSL showdown, the Marietta and Warren win move each team to 1-1 in conference play. Next week, Marietta looks to keep momentum as they travel to Warren. Point Pleasant will look to bounce back as they host Fort Frye. The winners of each game will be crowned TSL co-champions, so anticipate some good football.