Trimble falls short to the dominant Conotton Valley offense
By: Charlie Lusk
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BOWERSTOWN, Ohio (WOUB) — In a week 2 playoff matchup, the Trimble Tomcats traveled north 2 hours to face off against the Conotton Valley Rockets. The third-seeded Rockets came into this game riding the high of a 46-7 victory over Fairfield Christian Academy and looked poised for a deep playoff run.
But before that could continue, they would have to go through Trimble.
Conotton Valley got off to a fast start thanks in part to quarterback Zach Putnam. Passing over 3,000 yards on the season, Putnam put Trimble’s secondary on its heels immediately with several critical throws. The precision of Putnam combined with multiple penalties from the Tomcat’s offense allowed the Rockets to score a touchdown in the first three minutes of play.
Trimble’s offense wouldn’t be outshined so soon as their rushing attack got rolling immediately. The Tomcats lined-up in a Twin-T formation for most of the game with Owen Sikorski and Luke Osborne being the primary backs. This formation gave the Rockets’ defense headaches throughout the first half — especially on the first drive with consistent 10-yard runs.
Halfway through the first quarter, Owen Sikorski picked up a 6-yard rushing touchdown and a two-point conversion to take the lead for Trimble. This set up the dynamic of the first half. Conitton Valley was unable to stop Trimble’s rushing attack. On the other hand, Trimble couldn’t stop Conotton Valley’s passing attack.
Zach Putnam threw for another touchdown, this time to Brooks Bower. It put the Rockets ahead 20-16.
The first team that forced a defensive stop was going to be the one who won the game.
Conotton Valley was that team.
A costly penalty from Trimble set up the Tomcats with a fourth-and-9 in their own half which the Rockets defense stuffed. That stop set up another Conotton Valley touchdown, extending the lead which they held on till the end of the game.
Trimble’s thrilling season came to an end in the second round of the playoffs at the hands of Conotton Valley, 26-22. The Conotton Valley Rockets will face off against Beaver Eastern next week in the regional semi-finals.