Warriors Edge Tigers in Closer Than Expected Game

by Chris Shoals

Many people across the city were not even giving Loveland a chance to stay in the game for longer than the first quarter. Well, Loveland proved all their critics wrong by hanging tough for four solid quarters of football with the most athletic team in the FAVC Buckeye division. The Tigers fell 21-7.

For the fifth time this year, Loveland scored the first points of the contest when Evan Beck threw to Adam Engel on a halfback pass that went for 51 yards. Yes, it was Beck to Engel. Loveland tried something new this week, with Evan Beck at quarterback, and Adam Engel playing all over the field. In my opinion, this was a brilliant strategy by Tigers coach Andrew Marlatt, and his staff. Beck not only proved how good his arm strength is, but they showed their creativity of trying to get Engel into open space, creating versatility in the offense.

Winton Woods did not score until ten minutes into the second quarter when senior standout quarterback Dominique Brown threw a touchdown 25 yards to Thomas Owens. Brown, a senior at Winton Woods has already committed to play for Brian Kelly’s Bearcats next year, has shown explosiveness all year to FAVC defenses. The Zach Campbell kick made it 7-7 as the teams headed into halftime.

Winton Woods flexed their offensive muscle in the third quarter with Dominique Brown rushing up the middle for a 43 yard scamper, and then Desmond Hill has a 15 yards run with 1:41 remaining in the third quarter, to put the Warriors up 14 points.

Loveland had many opportunities to put themselves in position to jump ahead, but forced themselves into too many mental errors. For example, the Tigers were on the 10 yard line with first and goal, but on back to back plays, were called for holding, and it was 1st and Goal from the 30 - just that quickly. Unfortunately for Loveland, you just can’t make mental mistakes in a game you hoped would revitalize your season.

Looking forward, Loveland has a massive game coming up next. This will be a huge chance to win the backyard rivalry for the second year in a row, the chance to win the Miami Township Victory Bell, the chance to finish .500, and the chance finish third in the Buckeye division. 

Milford is in the same position as the Tigers. The Eagles are 1-3 heading into the match-up, and are 5-4 overall (which is 1 more win than Loveland). Milford’s quality wins this year include a 33-0 shut-out over Mt. Healthy, and a 37-12 win over Harrison.