Prep football playoffs roundup: Central Catholic, Bryan keep rolling
Perrysburg, Whiteford, Bedford see seasons end
11/16/2013
Perrysburg's senior Nick Fleming (6) runs on the kick off return during the third quarter.
The Blade/Katie Rausch
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Central Catholic quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws the ball against Tiffin Columbian.
Central Catholic reaches regional final
Central Catholic got a strong challenge from Tiffin Columbian for almost three full quarters Friday night.
But the second-ranked Fighting Irish used some big plays to turn a tight battle into a 42-13 romp over the final 13 minutes in a Division III football regional semifinal at Don Paul Stadium.
“We needed to be punched in the mouth a little bit,” Central Catholic coach Greg Dempsey said. “Our games the last month have been a little one-sided. “That’s good, but this is playoff time, and you’re facing great football teams.
“It’s just going to get harder every week. We needed to see what it was like and be able to respond to it.” READ MORE
Perrysburg's senior Nick Fleming (6) runs on the kick off return during the third quarter.
Perrysburg Yellow Jackets put scare into Avon, fall late
With less than eight minutes to play, Perrysburg seemed poised to pull an upset in its Division II football regional semifinal Friday night.
But Avon quickly reclaimed the lead, and a fourth-quarter comeback fell short as the Yellow Jackets lost 24-21 at Huron High School.
“This is the best year we have ever had,” Perrysburg senior Nick Fleming said. “I’m honored to play next to these guys, but all good things must come to an end.” READ MORE
Bryan steamrolls into the regional final
All systems were go for Bryan on Friday night.
The Northwest Ohio Athletic League champion delivered a near-flawless first half against Caledonia River Valley in a Division IV football regional semifinal.
It led to the Golden Bears building a 36-point halftime advantage and ended with a 49-19 rout in a game that featured two undefeated teams.
The Vikings were no match for the Golden Bears.
Bedford's Adam Ortman (67) walks off the field as Detroit Catholic Central players celebrate their 34-33 win in Temperance.
Bedford loses in final minute to end historic year
An eerie silence gripped Bedford Community Stadium Friday night as raw emotion hung in the air after the Mules saw a season marked by tragedy and greatness came to a sudden end.
Almost no one in the crowd of about 4,800 left the stadium, even after a 34-33 loss to Detroit Catholic Central in a Division 1 football regional final became a reality. READ MORE
Whiteford eliminated by New Lothrop
A nightmare first quarter ended Whiteford’s football playoff run Friday night.
New Lothrop turned three Bobcat turnovers into three early touchdowns. Before the Bobcats could string together a meaningful drive, the Hornets led by 28.
Whiteford proved it could drive on the New Lothrop defense, but it wasn’t enough in a 58-22 defeat.