Costly Victory for Dixie


Dixie was able to come from behind and then hold off a comeback attempt by Shawnee to earn a victory last Friday night. But that victory would come at a high price for the Greyhounds against their division foes. The game was emotional as both programs are resurgent this fall and it was their first SWBL matchup. A loss would make winning the Buckeye division that much tougher.

Shawnee had a great first quarter. On the opening play, sophomore Jake Jarbo broke thru the line, found daylight, and raced 79 yards for a TD. It looked like Dixie would answer but an interception by Justin Berry gave Shawnee the ball on their own 7. On that drive Kyle Letner scored on a 45 pass from Tyler Begley. Dixie was facing a 14-0 deficit.

Turnovers plagued Shawnee in the second quarter and this gave Dixie a short field several times. Almost all of the second quarter was played on the Shawnee end of the field. Aaron Copeland started things off by pouncing on a Shawnee fumble which gave Dixie the ball on the Shawnee 19. Eddie Bellman caught a Nick Worley pass to put Dixie on the board. Next was an interception by Dixie freshman Doogie Hauser. This drive fizzled thanks to a sack by Shawnee’s Aaron King. But Shawnee coughed up the ball yet again with Dixie’s Dustin Chatterton falling on the ball. Mike Hall ran for a TD after Eddie Bellman caught a Nick Worley pass to place the ball on the two yard line.

With the score tied at 14 all a determined Dixie team took the field after the half. First Eddie Bellman returned to the Shawnee 42. Then Earls carried to the 15 where he punched the ball in to put Dixie up for the first time 21-14. This sparked the Dixie defense that held Shawnee to three plays and a punt. Again Woody Earls knifed thru the Shawnee line for a 43 yard TD run. What was a close game was fast becoming a rout.

But on their next offensive series, Dixie would pay a price. Senior quarterback Nick Worley took a hit on the knee while passing and had to be taken off the field on a stretcher. Dixie needed someone to step up and make an impact. Woody Earls was having a great half of football and added to his stats on the very next play with a 14 yard TD run.

Shawnee tried to take advantage of a rattled Dixie team and did manage a touchdown – Cameron Letner connected with brother Kyle for a score. Shawnee tried an onsides kick, but it went out of bounds. In a change of fortunes, a fumble recovery by Shawn Moreland briefly gave Shawnee renewed hope. But a few plays after making an interception, Woody Earls scored his 4th second half touchdown to put the ball game away for the Hounds 41-20.

Chris Tilton Sports

Tests this weekend

Bengals - Is it paper bag time? They performed dismally against Baltimore. The O-line should have been given red capes and little matador hats. The Ravens signing of ex-Bengals offensive lineman Willie Anderson may have been a factor. He knew all the line calls and also knew each linemans weaknesses. The Titans won't have that advantage. Still the Bengals were anemic on offense.

A second loss and fans will start giving away their tickets again. I already heard on the radio that Bengals tickets are selling for below face value in the secondary market like stubhub. Still Mike Brown is laughing all the way to the bank. The franchise has a value of just under a billion (yep with a 'b') dollars.

OSU - After barely beating kissing cousin Ohio University, the buckeyes play USC Saturday night. Tressel better whip the team into a froth this week at practice. If they can capture the focus and intensity of the 4th quarter, then they will have a chance. But if they play like the lost sheep of the first 3 quarters, it could get embarrassing - fast.

Feature running back Beanie Wells is out, so that is a factor. That puts more of the weight on Boeckman's shoulders. Let's see if he has matured in a year. According to Tressel, it will be running back by committee. Hopefully someone stands up to the challenge and has a career day. This is a make or break game for OSU. A loss pretty much guarantee's that they are out of the hunt for the national title.

Dixie vs. Shawnee - A big game for both teams. More of a challenge for Dixie. They beat Fort Loramie last week. It was a big emotional game for the Greyhounds. And sometimes after a big win, a team will relax the next week. Can the coach keep the players focused? Shawnee's program is coming around and they will be up for a division rival. Rain will be a factor. Both teams run the spread offense, and a slick ball could hurt the passing.

South vs. Bethel - South got their first win of the season last week. The Bee's are still searching for a victory. A big game for both teams as it will determine the direction for the remainder of the season. The winner should have a good chance at a winning season.

North vs. Bradford - North is recovering from a shellacking by Covington. Can they beat up on the Railroaders and get back on the winning track?

Miami East vs. Covington - The game of the week in the CCC. This weeks poll says the Vikings are the winners. Covington has homefield advantage. But a rainy day might negate their passing attack and favor the running attack of Miami East. Should be a close, hard fought game. The best defense could be the deciding factor. This is probably the championship game, it's hard to see anyone else knocking off either of these two.

More local sports at: Chris Tilton Sports