By George Starks |
ANSONIA- The Ansonia Tigers had no problems with Mechanicsburg Friday as the Tigers rolled to a 34-8 victory in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score would indicate.
“I have absolutely no complaints about the way my kids played tonight,” said Ansonia coach Adam Hall. “We had some injuries coming in to this. A lot of young guys stepped up and played extremely well. “
Ansonia came out with the opening drive and at the 5:46 mark of the opening quarter, junior Zane Henderson took the ball in from five yards out. After the two point conversion failed, the Tiger we up 6-0.
Mechanicsburg went three and out on its initial possession and the Tigers were back in business.
Starting at its onw 23, Ansonia found paydirt again at the 9:32 point of the half when Keegan Weiss ran it in.
The two point conversion was good and the Tigers were up 14-0.
Mechanicsburg never generated any offense against a stingy Ansonia defense until late in the half but by that point, the Tigers held a commanding 28-8 lead at the break.
A lead the Tribe would never overcome.
“We have great kids and they work hard every week,” Hall stressed. “Our defense stepped up and met the challenge head on. Mechanicsburg is a lot like us. They like to run the ball and we don’t want to let them do that. It all starts up front. We have some big kids on the line and they’re getting after when the ball is snapped. The don’t make a ton of tackles but they keep the other team off our linebackers and that’s their job. I’m very happy with the defense tonight. “
On the offensive side of the ball, Hall had the same high praise.
“Keegan is our workhorse and he gets the bulk of them carries,” quipped Hall. “Everyone on offense had a great game. Zane had the best game of his career and I’m so happy for him. We have a great offensive line . Or specl teams were stellar. “
Moving into the third round, all teams become road warriors.
The Tigers will face MAC powerhouse St. Henry on Friday with the site yet to be determined.
The Redskins toppled Ft. Loramie, 16-8 to advance.
Versailles rolled to a 41-8 victory over Twin Valley South and will play Cincinnati Country Day, a 26-14 winner over Paint Valley.
Tri-Village also advance by taking down West Liberty Salem in a 50-29 come from behind victory.
The Patriots will take on Anna next, a 52-28 win over top seeded Williamsburg.
CNO Photos by George Starks. Featured photo: Ansonia junior Zane Henderson runs the ball for the Tigers in the first quarter. Ansonia won the game 34-8 to advance to play St. Henry.
