MILFORD, OHIO - Although Marine Capt. David Seth Mitchell may not have been there in person to watch the game, he was on the sidelines for Loveland, and heard the victory bell ringing from miles away where he now rests comfortably. Mitchell, who was killed in action last week in Afghanistan, was a former Loveland football Tiger. Although the game was played in Milford, their Athletic Department, lead by Director Mark Trout made Tiger fans, coaches, players, and former classmates, many mourning the loss of a personal hero, feel at home. Included was, a tribute to Mitchell on the video scoreboard, the lowering of the American flag to half staff, a moment of silence, and a balloon release by Mitchell's former classmates. All of this activity, for the visiting Loveland team and fans, took place along with having their own Senior Night activities to coordinate.
Kevin Taylor, Loveland Assistant Athletic Director and former football coach of Mitchell's, gave an inspiring locker room speech to the Loveland team before they took the field. The Milford/Miami Township Victory Bell was on the Loveland sidelines draped in a jersey bearing Mitchell's #30. The Miami Township fire department positioned a ladder truck with service banners and the American flag hoisted high into the October sky.
Later in the quarter, the Eagles defense blinked, and missed Adam Engel running right pass them up the gut for a 22 yard touchdown run, and a 14-0 lead.
Milford scored first in the second quarter with a touchdown pass from Frank Sullivan to Shawn Taylor. The extra point was blocked by the speedster Adam Engel, and Loveland kept the lead to 8; 14-6.
But, just four minutes later, Isaac Spence found the land of six from 2 yards out with his second score on the night making the score 21-6 at the half after the Matt Eltringham extra point.Loveland took all that momentum into halftime, and headed to the locker room up 15.
In the third quarter, Milford was the only one to see points added, and that came with a Nathan Termuhlen 69 yard pass from Frank Sullivan. Milford decided to go for 2, but the pass failed, and the score was 21-12.
Loveland scored the last touchdown of their season in the fourth quarter; and it was fittingly a 6 yard touchdown run from Adam Engel. The score was 28-12, and that was your final from a wet and wild Milford High School.
You could tell all night, beginning to end, that Loveland was the much better team. They ran the ball excellent, did not commit stupid personal foul penalties like Milford, and totally outplayed Milford in the trenches.
Loveland got to keep the Milford/Miami Township Victory Bell for another year, and Loveland resident and TV 12 sportscaster Tara Pachmayer, presented the Tigers the Skyline Game of the Week trophy.
Milford needs to challenge themselves in the non-conference a lot more if they want to be able to show what kind of a program they are. You are not going to get much respect when you go to the bakery, and load up on some cupcakes such as Amelia, Woodward, and Hughes. That is just not acceptable from a division one team.
It was a successful season for Loveland, as the Tigers finished the year 5-5, and 2-3 in conference. Andrew Marlatt has this program headed in the right direction. He is focused on getting his players in the weight room in the off season, and is dedicated to his group of guys. The Tigers are going to be a force to be reckoned with in the next couple of years.
