Week 6 Recap: Springfield, Centerville Stunned; Meadowdale, Dunbar Win To Setup Matchup; Xenia Continues To Roll

 Here's the Week 6 Recap in the Miami Valley

By Deon Cash 

Springfield Falls as Fairmont Pulls Off Improbable Comeback

The Springfield Wildcats had taken a 21-17 lead in the late stages of the 3rd quarter when Fairmont went on a final drive led by the running game to seize a huge win on the road.  

Brock Baker would score a 15-yard TD with almost 2 min left to seal the deal. Drew Baker woild lead the Fairmont attack with 115 yards rushing on 32 attemps. Firebirds DB-KR Karmron Payne would also run a kick back, in which Anthony Brown would do exact same thing a possesion later (89 yards). 

The loss sends Springfield to 4-1 while Fairmont moves to 4-2. 

Springboro Continues Great Season With Late Score Over State Ranked Elks

Springboro used its star QB to lead them to a thrilling last second victory at Centerville, to knock off State ranked Centerville on the Elks home turf. Centerville would hold a 17-7 lead before Willizhaun Yates 4-yard TD to cut it to 17-14. 

The game winning drive was led by QB Evan Ruzzo, who would score on a goal line run with 14 seconds left in the game. Drake Wells went 20-27 for 238 and 2 TDs in the loss.

Both teams now ait at 5-1 on the season.

Wayne Rolls Past Beavercreek as Mukes III Goes Wild 

The Warrios used a balanced attack to dominate Beavercreek 44-7. Tyrell Lewis threw for 280 yards and 2 TDs, with most of that damage belonging to R.J.Mukes III, who went for 190 yards on 5 catches and 2 TDs. The running duo of Isaiah Thompson (7 att, 47 yards, 2 TDs) and Zachariah Williams (5 att, 64 yards, 2 TDs) did the damage on the ground.

Rising DL Javon Hammonds had 6 solo tackles, 3 sacks, and 5.5 TFL, which led the Wayne defense. 

Miamisburg Defeats Northmont in Shootout As McGohan Shines

The Miamisburg Vikings got off a losing streak simply by doing one thing: Getting the ball to star WR -TE Jackson Mcgohan. Mcgohan would connect with QB Preston Barr (17-22, 301 yds, 2 TD) for 7 catches and 190 yards, including a score to seal the deal as the Vikings snap a 2-game losing streak. 

Barr would also run for 3 TDs and 67 yards in the win. Bolts QB Cahke' Cortner threw for 330 yards and 3 TDs, with 2 of those TDs to Dalin Watkins (7 receptions, 179 yards 2 TDs) in the loss. 

Xenia Defeats Tipp With Electrifying Final Drive 

The Red Devils would hold a late lead until the Bucs used its final drive to pull ahead and win over a tough Tippecanoe team at home. Sophomore QB Gavin Mcmanus (14-17, 122 yards,  TD) hooked up with star WR Trammell Wright scored to give State Ranked Xenia the late lead, which they would hold on to for the win. 

Trei'Shaun Sanders did the heavy lifting for Xenia (31 carries, 190 yards, TD) while star LB Jamell Smith led the defense (10 tackles, 3.5 TFL, FF) 

Saunders now has over 1,000 yards in 6 games. Xenia, #4 in the previous OHSAA state ranked poll, moves to 6-0 while Tipp falls to 5-1. 

Piqua Shuts Out Fairborn Behind Roberts, Warner 

The Piqua Indians trounced Fairborn behind the passing game of Brady Ouhl and Star WR Dre'Sean Roberts and the running game of Ky Warner. Ouhl connected with Roberts for 3 TD passes and Warner ran for 204 yards and a TD in the lopsided win. Warner also had a interception, as did Elijah Frazier, who ran one back from the end zone (100 yards) for a pick-6 TD.  Piqua now sits at 4-2. 

Troy Continues Winning Streak 

The Trojans used a stout running game and solid defense to power past Sidney 25-7 and move to 4-2 on the season, winning their 3rd straight. Troy ran for 222 yards as Nick Kaweki (28 att, 107 yds), Colin Stoltz (9 att, 55 yds) and Willie Ritchey (6 att, 53 yds, TD) led the attack. DB Marcus Cavanaugh pick 6 was huge as well. 

Butler Stuns Stebbins With Late FG

Butler used a solid defensive effort and defeated Stebbins on a last second FG to stop Adrian Norton and the Indians 10-7. Norton would run for 119 yards and pass for 70 more but it was not enough. Stebbins falls to 3-3 while Butler improves to 2-4. 

Meadowdale Knocks Off Thurgood Behind Defense, Fleming  

The Meadowdale Lions used its stout defense and offensive rushing to lead to a 21-6 victory over Thurgood in City League play. Thurgood RB Amare Lattimore was able to burst and run for a 65-yard TD and 116 overall but the Lions was able to shut down the Cougars in the second half en route to the win.

Davion Fleming ran for 2 TDs while Trevon Hodge sealed the deal in the 3rd quarter with a 25-yard TD run. Fleming would finish with 94 yards rushing in the win. Fleming would also lead the Lions in tackles (7 Total). 

Dunbar Powers Past Ponitz in OT 

Dunbar was able to power past Ponitz in a intense game, as they scored on a TD in OT to seal the deal and stay undefeated in city League play.  They will face Meadowdale in a huge game which will have DPS Championship vive to it tonight.

Trotood Shuts Down Belmont

Trotwood used its defense and leadership of Tim Carpenter to get back in the win column against Belmont. With the win Trotwood moves to 2-4 on the season. 

Chaminade Julienne Falls to Middletown Fenwick

Chaminade took a loss to one of the better teams in the GCL this season as Fenwick used its defense to stop the Eagles vaunted running game and win 24-7.  With the loss the Eagles fall to 3-3 on the season.

Alter Powers Past McNicholas, Moves to 4-2 

The Alter Knights now are riding a 3-game winning streak after knocking off McNicholas 28-7. With the win Alter wins its first game in the GCL season and now sit at 4-2 overall and 1-0 heading into GCL season. 

Valley View Knocks Off Brookville in SWBL Battle 

DB Austin Stidham was able to lead Valley View as the defense was lights out for the Spartans in the 28-14 win. Stidham grabbed a pick 6 and returned a punt for a TD as the Spartans moved to 5-1 on the season. Brookville took their first L on the season.

Ram Nation Hires Pullen, Barnes As Boys and Girls Basketball Coaches; Alstork Lands Job With College Program

 Rams Hire Pullen, Barnes As Trotwood Basketball Coaches; Alstork Lands Job At Clark State 

By Deon Cash 

After Rocky Rockhold stepped down as the boys head coach of Trotwood HS, it provided a topic that the Rams wasn't ready for. They had already lost their girls coach in Hank Benton, so they would have to look for a new set of leaders for their basketball program with no offseason time to boot.

After a series of interviews, social media questions, and everything in between, the Rams brass selected Peter Pullen to take over the boys' basketball program and Larry Barnes to run the ladies program.

Pullen is one of the all-time greats in the coaching realm, as he led the Wolverines to multiple OHSAA Titles and coached some of the best talent ever assembled in Dayton's rich basketball history.

Pullen will bring on Andre Yates, a former Trotwood and Dunbar legend, and Dunbar big man Gary Akbar to be his varsity assistants on the staff. 

With Carl Blanton back on the coaching staff, look for a resurgence in the Trotwood program, as they move from the "Rocky Era" which brought a OHSAA State Title and a couple of State Appearances as well for the Rams.

 The "Rocky Era" could be debated as the best run ever in Trotwood hoop history.

Pullen has a gang of experience and will use that knowledge and his youhful staff to plug into a talented District who are ready to be back in the upper echelon of hoops in Ohio.

Larry Barnes has been a assistant coach for over a decade, and spent his most recent years under the Benton Era as his first assistant. Barnes, who was a former player himself (Belmont HS) will get his chance to run a program, as he has been a assistant in waiting for a long time.  

"We are very pleased with the coaches we have selected." Jonas Smith, the Athletic Director of Trotwood stated. 

Pullen, according to S.E.Live365, was a 2-1 bet to win the Trotwood job while Barnes was a 4-1 pick in our most recent update of the story months ago, so most are not suprised in the selections. 

While the early stages could be interesting, the vibe is that this should start a new era for Ram Nation. 

Congrats to the head coaches and the staff. 
Is Ram Nation back and ready for takeoff?  We will see in about two months.

Former Rams Assistant Lands Job With College 

Quinton Alstork, a first assistant on the Rams sideline under the Rocky Rockhold regime, has accepted to be an assistant coach on the Clark State Basketball staff, per the reports.

Alstork, who has been a assistant coach in the high school ranks for the last 10 years, most recently was with the Rams last season after working with Steve Pittman and the Beavercreek staff two years ago. Now Alstork will get a chance to realize a dream by coaching in the college ranks.

"It's truly a blessing to get to this level as I have worked hard on my craft. I still have a lot of learning and developing to do, and this will definitely help me get to the next level." Alstork said.

Alstork has said he wants to coach a varsity high school program in the next couple of years, but also adds, "It would be a dream to be a head coach on the collegiate level as well. I feel blessed and appreciative of this opportunity." 

Alstork is young (31) and one of the rising young coaches in Southwest Ohio, so this is a story to watch and see how it will unfold. 

Week 3 Football Recap: Springfield, Piqua, Xenia, Stebbins, C-J, Northmont Cruise; Wayne Knocks Off Pickerington Central; Belmont Garners 1st W

Here are the Week 3 Highlights & Headlines in the Miami Valley

Springfield Shuts Down Trotwood 

The Springfield Wildcats defeated the Trotwood Rams as they played their first home game of the season. The running game was powerful as the Cats ran for 3 TD's while QB Bryce Schondelmeyer threw for 2 TD's, one to Daylen Bradley, who had a breakout game. Aaron Scott Jr, the All-Ohio CB, grabbed 2 INT's and ran one back for a TD as the defense was able to stymie rising QB Tim Carpenter and the Rams offense.

Stars: Aaron Scott Jr (2 INT's, 1 for TD) Daylen Bradley (5 Rec, 102, TD) Jackson Heims (9 Tackles)

Piqua Continues Dominance, Shutout Streak 

The Piqua Indians used a Bryson Roberts pick-6 to start the game and roll past Troy, shutting them out in the process. The defense scored 3 TDs (Roberts, Colton Beougher, Brennan Johns) en route to 59-0 blowout win. The win evens the epic rivalry at 66 all with 5 ties. 

Piqua, ranked in the Top 10 in the state, will face Xenia in a battle for first place in the Miami Valley League. Piqua is the only team in OHSAA football who has not allowed a point all season. 

Stars: Bryson Roberts (INT Return for TD) Colton Beougher (FF, FR TD) Brennan Johns (FF, FR, TD)

Xenia Puts Up Another 40 Piece, Blanks Fairborn

Xenia showed why they could be headed for a historic season of sorts, as they ran up another big offensive showing while the defense locked in as they trounce Fairborn in front of their home crowd.
The Bucs were led by Ramon Browder (148 TD and Tre'Shaun Saunders (183 4 TDs), who has been a force all season. Add the 2 TD's by WR Trammell Wright and the defensive intensity that was brought, and the Bucs enjoyed a 3-0 start this season under coach Maurice Harden. 

Browder also forced a fumble and recovered it, while Ronnie Butler (11 tackles) and Jaxsen Lewis (10 tackles, 1 sack, 1TFL) dominated on the defensive side. Xenia will face Piqua in a huge battle at the top of the MVL.

Stebbins Routs West Carrollton Behind Norton, Dewberry. 

The Stebbins Indians continued to roll behind their stout line and offensive stars as they ran past West Carrollton. Adriann Norton started the scoring with a tough running TD and Damir Dewberry continued the run with 3 TD's of his own to push Stebbins to 3-0 for the second season in a row. 

Stars: Damir Dewberry, Adrian Norton, 

Chaminade Rolls Past Opponent 

The Chaminade Julienne Eagles garnered their 2nd straight win of the season in a blowout win. The running game was dominant, and led them to the win. Donaven Cummings led a running attack that amassed over 450 yards of offense at Cummings (110, TD), QB Ryan Peltier (119, 2 TDs) and RB Aiden Lowery (158 yards, 2 TD's) ran over Northwest to a tune of 42-20. 

Stars: Cummings (110 rushing, TD, 9 tackles, 4 Passes Defended) Aiden Lowery, Peltier, Calvin Russell (17 tackles) 

Belmont Gets First Win Of Season

The Belmont Bison got their first win on the season as they defeated Riverview Academy. Leading the charge was Tay Arnold and QB Victor Fleming running the show and directing the Bison to a big win. In their best effort of the season, they became the 2nd City League team to get a win in the early season. They sit at 1-2 on the season. 

Stars: Tay Arnold, Victor Fleming 

 Northmont Keeps Rolling 

The Bolts Shut out Hillard Davidson 31-0 as Cahke Cortner threw 2 TD passes and the defense wreaked havoc all night. Noah McClure ran for 87 and a TD, Jaiven Brownlee caught a TD pass and Nathan Shommer forced a fumble and ran it back for a TD in the shutout win. With the win, the Bolts improve on their undefeated season (3-0). 

Stars: Nathan Shommer (FF, FR, TD) 

Carroll Bounces Thurgood

Carroll won their 2nd game of the season with a easy win over Thurgood, as RB Tayshawn Brown ran for 107 yards and 3 TDs to fuel the Patriots to a 39-6 win. Amare Lattimore led Thurgood with 62 yards and a TD in the losing effort.

Stars: Tayshawn Brown (107, 3 TDs), Amare Lattimore (63 yards, TD), Tra'Vaughn Benjamin (6 tackles, 2 TFL, 0.5 sacks)

Miamisburg Routs Harrison

The Vikings Move to 2-1 after a big win over Harrison as the passing attack went crazy. Brock Vaughn was 7-7 for 238 yards and 2 TD's in the win, while WR Jackson Mcgohan and Christian Davis went wild as McGohan went for 171 and 2 TD's, while Davis caught 2 passes for 137 and 2 TD's to go with his rushing TD. With the win Miamisburg moves to 2-1 on the season. 

Stars: Jackson McGohan, Davis, Brock Vaughn, 

Beavercreek Stops Ponitz

The Creek are now on a 2-game winning streak as they defeated Ponitz behind a vaunted running game. Spencer Johnon threw for 2 TD's (both to Adi Hernandez) and ran for 2 TD's while Quentin Youngblood ran for 138 and 2 TD's himself. Garrett Gallogy produced 2 sacks in a spirited effort by the Beavers, who are now 2-1 for the first time in decades under new head coach Marcus Colvin. Colvin has infused some real energy into the organization, and it seems to be paying off. 

Stars: Spencer Johnson, Quentin Youngblood, Garrett Gallogly, Adi Hernandez

Dunbar Falls to Lima Senior

The Dunbar Wolverines went to Lima and fell to the Spartans 25-12.  Lima Senior would take advantage of turnovers and early momentum to jump out to a 19-0 lead en route to the win. Dunbar would ride its star 2-way player (Dai'Vontay Young) to a mini-comeback, but the lead was too big to overcome. Young would end game with 15 tackles to go with 3 forced fumbles to keep the Wolverines in the game. 

Stars: DaiVontay Young 

Sidney Wins Wild Game Over Greenville

Sidney got its first win of the season, with a wild 49-48 win over Greenville in 2 OT's as the Yellow Jackets held off the Green Wave. Greenville would miss the extra point, which gave Sidney the win. The running attack provided 6 TD's by committee for Sidney. Ryan Crampton, was a beast for Greenville with 12 tackles, a INT, and some rushing yards to boot. Greenville falls to 0-3.