WOAC showdown next Friday
By George Starks |
NEW MADISON- A first quarter field goal from freshman kicker Cora Gutterrez would prove to be the difference for Tri-Village as the Patriots would roll over Mississinawa Valley 50-0 in Western Ohio Athletic action Friday.
While the Patriots offense couldn’t be stopped, the Blackhawks defense had no answer for the Tri-Village defense.
Both were stellar in the eyes of Patriots coach Matt Hopkins.
“We talked about this in the locker room.” said Hopkins after the game. “I’m not sure we’ve played to our full potential yet. We always have room for improvement and these kids are aware of that.” said Hopkins. “We’re never satisfied with where we’re at with the offense. There’s always room for improvement. If we ever become satisfied with where we’re at then we’re in trouble.”
While it’s been said many times that offense wins games, but defense wins championships.
“We feel that way to,” admitted Hopkins. “We also feel like we need improvement there also. If you don’t feel like that as a coach or a player, you’re going to start to regress real quick and there’s no room for that way of thinking on this team.”
One of the first things Hopkins said to his squad focused on the upcoming game with Ansonia.
With both teams posting huge scores through the first four games, Hopkins knows what next week could bring.
“Both these teams have explosive and great defenses,” said the Patriots coach. “This could very well be a defensive battle and that’s what we expect.” Hopkins pointed out. “We have to go out and put it all on the line. We need to bring it all on the field. We can’t bring 95 percent of or game. If we do, we’re not going be successful.”
With the victory, the WOAC could be decided next Friday.
Just a few miles away, Ansonia was taking care of business with Arcanum in a 38-8 victory sending both teams into a huge game Friday at Ansonia.
Elsewhere around the county, Versailles remained undefeated with a 34-7 victory over New Breman and will host Parkway next week.
Greenville continues to search for its first victory, falling to Butler 45-6. The Wave will host Piqua next.
Bradford took on Bridgeport Saturday but no score was available. The Roaders will host Sciotoville next week.
CNO Photos by George Starks. Featured photo: Patriots senior Reed Wehr heads for the endzone in a 50-0 rout of Mississinawa Valley.
