This past Friday night will be one most will not forget. This game pitted the two top teams in division 2 against each other two games to early.  In the first half, I am convinced that Trotwood Madison was thinking this as the Knights rolled to a 20-0 score at the half while scoring what seemed at will the last 5 minutes of the half. We scored As a result of some great and athletic plays on offense by individuals. The defense was once again rock steady as they forced three turnovers that set us up for great field position. And even the special team unit contributed as they blocked a punt late in the half to set up yet another Kings score. When the dust had settled, the statistics were  lopsided! Kings churned up almost 170 yards while TM mustard only 67. Most likely a year low for the Rams.

At the half, our locker room was loud but by no means over confident in any shape or form. This makes regional final #4 for most of our staff so as they say, “this was not our first rodeo”. In fact, all three coordinators of our team each made adjustments at the half in order to  anticipate Trotwood’s next move.

Prior to the game, I was very concerned with the wind. It was blowing strongly away from the scoreboard all night. In the second half, since we won’t he toss, we of course chose to receive. Upon falling on the ball at about the 35 yard line, we began to mount what many thought could be possibly the game ending drive. As we converted a couple of first down, it seemed we were on our way. Our drive was stopped as a result of a forced fumble. And on the first play on scrimmage, the Rams would get their longest run on the night. The momentum shifted for the final time on this night. The #1 ranked Rams would score just once in the third quarter. However, due to their defense, which has been very strong all year, they forced the Knights into several 3 and outs couple with more turnovers. In the fourth and final quarter, while the wind blowing into our faces,  we turned the ball over an additional 2 more times bringing the second turnover total to 4. Add to this that Trotwood’s average starting yard line the rest of the half would be at the 50 yard line. In most all cases, football games are lost as a result of the circumstances. This regional final would be no different. As the final horn sounded, the Knights season ended with a very unfamiliar score, Trotwood 35′ Kings 20.

So for the fourth time in as many tries, our football team fell short again as we would lose in the regional final. As a staff and for me personally, I think Trotwood can and should win the D2 Championship. But as we all know too well and to honest, we look forward too, a game played by high school athletes in which case anything can happen on any given night!

 

See you on the field,

 

Coach Olds

GO KNIGHTS!!!