Liberty-Benton blanks Delphos Jefferson, goes to 11-0

11/2/2008

FINDLAY - Liberty-Benton's defense posted its sixth straight shutout and eighth overall last night as the Eagles blanked Delphos Jefferson 34-0 in a Division V first-round state playoff football game.

The Eagles (11-0) held Jefferson (10-1) to just 132 yards of total offense and have allowed just 26 points all season.

Liberty-Benton will face Archbold Saturday at a site to be determined.

"We didn't expect a shutout so much this time, but it is definitely nice to keep that going," Liberty-Benton middle linebacker Brett Pasche said.

"We were just trying to keep them from getting big plays."

Aaron Craft had another big night for the Eagles. He completed 21 of 28 passes for 255 yards.

Craft had TD passes of 15 yards to Nathan Hyde and 13 to Ryan Cook. Craft also ran for a 28-yard TD and scored on a 47-yard fumble return.

Jacob Miller scored L-B's other TD on a 17 run in the fourth quarter.

Delphos Jefferson was held to 73 total yards.

Avon 7, Defiance 0

AVON - Avon's Marquis Harrell scored on a three-yard run for the game's only score in a Division III playoff game.

Avon is ranked second in Ohio and averages 43 points a game. Harrell finished with 68 yards on 14 carries.

Avon (11-0) quarterback Ryan O'Rourke was 7-of-17 passing for 69 yards.

Defiance (8-3) was led by Travis Spitnale, who rushed for 136 yards on 34 carries. Spitnale rushed for 100 yards in the first half, but was held in check in the second half.

Defiance quarterback Sean Murray finished 11-of-18 passing for 85 yards. Defiance had a chance at the end of the second quarter, but were stuffed at the goal line on a fourth down and goal from the 5-yard line.

"We're the first team in a long time to take them [Avon] into the fourth quarter. It just didn't go our way, Defiance coach Jerry Buti said. "We took a lot of shots and just couldn't get it done."

Avon finished the game with 142 total yards, Defiance gained 221 yards.

Bucyrus Wynford 40, Fairview 34

SHERWOOD - Tyler Brause led Wynford (11-0) with three touchdowns on the ground (33, 1, 2) and tossed another TD pass to Chris Brown in a Division V playoff game. Brause also kicked a 32-yard field goal.

Ben Wonderly led Fairview (9-2) with 14 catches for 158 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw a TD pass to Codie Main.

Fairview quarterback James Elchinger finished with four TD passes, including one to Main. Wynford held a 441-415 edge in total yardage.