Nelsonville-York (7-1) 14; Athens (7-1) 13

[Orestes]

How about the character of the NY kids? They are a young team. They were whipped last week in the mud. They saw a team that has been considered a powerhouse staring them in the face. They went down 13-0 at the half. They came out in the second half and won the game.

The Nelsonville-York community should be as proud of these players and coaches as they have ever been. When a young group of kids not only shows flashes of very good talent all year, but then displays mental toughness, you know you have a lot of great football to look forward to in the future.

[NYBuckeye96]

http://athensmessenger.com/articles/2009/10/17/sports/high_schools/doc4ad96db58a980549782200.txt

Buckeyes stun Bulldogs, 14-13

By JASON ARKLEY
Messenger staff writer
Published: Saturday, October 17, 2009 9:40 AM EDT

Apparently, reports of the Buckeye dynasty’s demise were greatly exaggerated. (SEE VIDEO BELOW)

Derek Arnold scored on a two-yard touchdown run with 47.8 seconds remaining as Nelsonville-York stunned rival Athens 14-13 Friday night at a cold and damp Rutter Field.

The Buckeyes (7-1, 4-1 Tri-Valley Conference Ohio Division) were supposedly past their prime one week after a shutout loss at Alexander. Instead, Nelsonville-York showed it had enough fight left to pop the balloon of the Bulldogs’ dream season.

The Buckeyes rallied from a 13-0 halftime deficit to pull off a win in a game many thought they had little chance to pull out.

“Right now I’m a little speechless,” said Nelsonville-York head coach Dave Boston. “I just feel so good for our players.”

The win nudged the Buckeyes into a first-place tie atop the TVC-Ohio Division, and kept alive the team’s hopes for another postseason berth.

The loss was a cold slap to the face for the Bulldogs (7-1, 4-1 TVC). Athens had breezed through the 2009 season, handling every team along the way with ease. Athens entered with an average margin of victory of 31.4 points per game, and its closest contest was a 21-0 shutout in the season-opener.

But the loss wiped out any chance the ‘Dogs had at a playoff berth in Division II, Region 7, and will prevent Athens from winning the TVC title outright.

“No. I can’t,” said Athens coach Ryan Adams when asked if he could describe how bad the loss felt.

With the win, Nelsonville-York retains the Doc Kroner Trophy — the prize awarded to the winner of the annual county grudge match each season. The Buckeyes have won the trophy in 17 of the last 19 years, and every year since 2003.

The Bulldogs appeared on their way to reclaiming the hardware after the first half. Athens outgained Nelsonville-York 216-42 in the first two quarters, and led 13-0 after Ian Dixon caught a short pass in the right flat and bowled over a defender for a seven-yard touchdown pass with just 4.9 seconds left in the second quarter.

But Doug Chapman’s PAT kick sailed just wide left, and opened the door for the Buckeyes’ rally.

Nelsonville-York, behind gritty running from backs Arnold and Justin Cunningham and a newly-determined defense, dominated the second half.

Athens quarterback Trey Harris, so confident and poised all season, was intercepted for the first time all year on the fourth play of the second half. Cunningham, playing linebacker, cut in front of a pass for the pick and returned it to the Athens 38-yard line.

After a crucial pass interference call kept the drive alive, Arnold capped the scoring drive with a nine-yard touchdown run with 5:54 left in the third. Suddenly the Buckeyes were very much in the ballgame.

“That was my very first interception ever, and it was a big one,” Cunningham said. “It kind of got us going.”

The Bulldogs’ offense never recovered. The Buckeyes attacked the line of scrimmage and handcuffed Athens throughout the second half. The ‘Dogs ran just 19 plays in the second half for only 56 yards. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes chipped away with a power running game that also ate time off the clock.

“We challenged our young men, we challenged them to step up,” Boston said. “We had some seniors we felt needed to step up and we put the challenge on them, and they answered it. That was the turnaround in the second half.”

After two consecutive three-and-outs by the Bulldogs, the Buckeyes put together their best drive of the night. Starting on their own 24, the Bucks drove all the way to the Athens 17 and took eight minutes off the fourth-quarter clock in the process.

But the drive ended on downs when a wide-open Jared Dexter couldn’t haul in a pass on the five-yard line on fourth down.

Athens couldn’t finish however. With less than four minutes remaining and facing a third-and-three from his own 20, Athens’ Harris rolled right. He fired downfield, but was intercepted by Mychal Mitchell — who returned it back to the Bulldog 20-yard line.

Five plays later, Arnold bulled in from the two-yard line to tie it 13-13. After a pair of offsides calls, and two timeouts, Nelsonville-York’s Nathan Dean booted the PAT kick inside the right upright for a 14-13 lead.

Harris, who threw an interception that was returned for a near touchdown in a loss at Nelsonville-York last season, tried to make amends. With less than a minute to go, Harris found Shad McCollum for a 27-yard gain and then Ian Dixon for a 16-yard gainer.

But facing a fourth-and-13 from the Nelsonville-York 25 with 7.4 seconds remaining, Harris had no choice but to go long. His pass to Connor Tope in the left corner of the end zone was knocked away at the last second by Zack Hook.

The Buckeyes then took a knee, and claimed yet another win in their long-running series with the Bulldogs.

“They wanted it more than we did tonight. I have no explanation for it, have no understanding of it,” Adams said. “You got a great program over there at Nelsonville and you got a lot of kids who have a hell of a lot of heart obviously. They found a way to win.”

Arnold finished with a hard-fought 70 yards on 28 carries and two touchdowns. Cunningham added 37 yards on the ground as the Buckeyes finished with 147 total yards — 105 of which came in the second half.

Dean, also the quarterback, hit 5-of-11 passes for 38 yards. But Dean’s foot delivered the second game-winning kick of the season for N-Y; his PAT kick inside the final minute was the difference in a 7-6 win at Trimble in the season opener.

Harris was 9-of-18 for 173 yards with a touchdown, but had his first two interceptions of the season. Dixon hauled in four passes for 99 yards. Tanner Weaver and DeVon Sharp combined for 15 carries for 76 yards.

Athens made it look easy early. The Bulldogs rolled 80 yards on eight plays on their first possession, with Harris scoring on a nine-yard keeper as Athens took a 7-0 lead.

Harris found Dixon for a 33-yard gainer late in the first half, then connected with the wideout for a seven-yard score on the next play as Athens led 13-0 at the break.

But like so many times before in this series, the Buckeyes found a way to push back. Out-toughed a week earlier, Nelsonville-York was determined to be the aggressor this time around.

“I think we just wanted it a little bit more,” Cunningham said. “The lines stepped up great. And we came out in the second half ready to play like champions do. We played like we’re supposed to.”

Challenged for the first time all season, the Bulldogs couldn’t find that extra gear they needed.

“I don’t know if we expected Nelsonville to roll over for us tonight or what,” Adams said. “Their front handled our front with their quickness, which who would have suspected that.

“Deer in the headlights is all I can tell you,” he added. “We had some guys with that look in their face.”

Nelsonville-York and Athens are tied for the top spot in the TVC-Ohio. Alexander was upended at Meigs Friday night.

It means if the Buckeyes can beat Vinton County in week 10, and if Athens beats Belpre next week, then the two teams will share the league title. N-Y travels to Ironton for non-league action next week, while Athens will play a non-league game Wahama in week 10.

[NYBuckeye96]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XxLU-Npwsk

[Orange and Brown]

We are going to be talking about this game for years!!!!!!!!!

Look out for next year!! week 10!


I would also like to add that it is great to see The passion beck in Athens football!!!

I think this game is a good reminder to the rest of the TVC that the title still comes through NY!!!!!

[93Bulldog]

Woulda, coulda, shoulda's have run ramped in this game the last two years ... Its funny how in the Columbus Dispatch Jim Tressel gets ripped left and right for playing 'Tressel' ball ... BUT ... With decades of coaching experience, he probably has seen what happened to Athens the past two years many of times himself - hence, the 'punt' and play defense philosophy.

Its not pretty, its not flashy and sometimes it doesn't work (but the % is greater in the long run in terms of obtaining wins) and I think Athens might have had a better chance if like questionmark states; they punt the ball and play defense. Cold hands, rain setting in, slick ball was not a good recipe for a possible pass attempt ... Athens has such deadly weapons and there are other ways to get them the ball besides a 'down field pass' ... Phil Faires (Trimble coach) uses a thousand different ways to get his play-makers the ball w/o passing ... Jet sweeps, revearses, screens, or how about a swing pass to Dixon or McCollum? Personally, I love seeing McCollum with the ball in his hands - and quite frankly the Bulldogs just don't do enough to get him or perhaps Dixon or even Sharp the ball enough.

There is no reason to cry over spilled milk though and the coaches probably know more about the team than I so I better just shut-up .... I just know how bad I feel after seeing what transpired last night, and I can't imagine what those kids and coaches are feeling after putting in all the hard work, day after day for months and come up short like they did ... its gotta be terrible ... hopefully they can move past it and finish out the season 9-1.

[mr.dude2010]

nelsonville played a hell of a game in the second half, and i congratulate them and wish them luck next week for that. however, i watched the replay about 6 million times and even derek arnold got in, i swear i think the extra point to win the game missed by about 3 inches... also the "roughing the passer" call on 3rd and 11 was ridiculous. congratulations to the bucks, now that we've made the inner county rivalries more exciting and serious, there should be some good football in the future

[93Bulldog]

I actually had the camera pointed straight up at the goal posts waiting for the kick - and it did in fact go threw ... but by the hair that was standing on the back of my neck! I stated before that the extra point kick was so close to missing that if A-townm doesn't jump twice (which moved the ball a few feet) that kick may not be good ... it was sailing left and it cleared just as it went over the left goal-post.

I just returned from a B-day party out 691 (which was full of the Buckeye faithful) so I've heard about as much woulda's and coulda's and have ate enough crow to last a lifetime ... lol ... I'm setting my sights on some Golden Eagles ... I Heard they taste better anyhow.

[Orestes]

I actually had the camera pointed straight up at the goal posts waiting for the kick - and it did in fact go threw ... but by the hair that was standing on the back of my neck! I stated before that the extra point kick was so close to missing that if A-townm doesn't jump twice (which moved the ball a few feet) that kick may not be good ... it was sailing left and it cleared just as it went over the left goal-post.

I just returned from a B-day party out 691 (which was full of the Buckeye faithful) so I've heard about as much woulda's and coulda's and have ate enough crow to last a lifetime ... lol ... I'm setting my sights on some Golden Eagles ... I Heard they taste better anyhow.

NY celebrated this win. Whenever a team is excited about beating you, you have a very good program.

A team should feel bad about themselves when a win over you is "ho hum."

Athens should certainly feel very good about the direction of their program. They are inches from being 8-0, and on their way to 10-0.

[NY BUCKS]

Inches may as well be a mile.Its alot of the INCHES THAT ADDED UP.

[rut151]

Awsome win !

[buckeyefan2010]

agreed, GREAT win for the buckeyes and lets keep the ball rolling next week down at ironton!!!!

stay on cloud 9 buckeyes and gets your heads focused were in for another barn burner!

[C A D]

Game photos

http://www.flickr.com/photos/keithjeweler/sets/72157622613463864/

[cd85]

I was in the endzone, he did fumble, but that said the best team won--they out hit, played with more passion and certainly out coached Athens---2 years in a row and you throw the ball when you can run to win. Hats off to NY staff for the adjustments at half and their kids for stepping up; great lesson to all, the most talented team does not always win

first off, congrats to the buckeyes. I know this means nothing now but i watched the replay 3 or 4 times and i dont think arnold got in before he fumbled on the 2nd TD!!

[Orestes]

Is this it?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/keithjeweler/4024024174/in/set-72157622613463864/



If so, it may already be in (just has to be over the very first part of the white line), and he has firm possession at that point. Any movement forward at all, and it is certainly over the white line in the pic.

However, I'm not sure that is the TD. People do have the "TD signal" going on in the crowd, and 13-7 had already happened earlier in the photo sequence.

[Orestes]

Here's with the ball out ... (nice pics BTW)..



Very close. Really, with the angle it is difficult to tell, but it is at least as close to being in as it can be without actually being in... No way anyone can make the call otherwise IMO.

[C A D]

Here's with the ball out ... (nice pics BTW)..

Thanks!


This is the play when NY scored its 2nd TD. In the next frame you can see the official starting to raise his hands.

[NYBuckeye96]

http://athensnews.com/editorial/blogs/high-school-sports-scene/29341-some-thoughts-from-another-big-week-in-high-school-football

Some thoughts on another big week in high school football

Written by Garrett Downing
Sunday, 18 October 2009 21:02

The magical run for the Athens High School football team came to an end Friday night at Rutter Field. After dominating victories in the first seven weeks of the season, the Bulldogs met their match against a more gritty, and experienced Nelsonville-York team.

In one of the most anticipated games in the history of Athens football, the contest lived up the excitement as the Buckeyes scored the winning touchdown with less than a minute remaining. The final touchdown and extra point gave Nelsonville-York a 14-13 victory, and left Athens with an all-too familiar feeling.

The lost hurts for Athens (7-1), for many reasons. The Bulldogs chances of making the playoffs are eliminated, even if they win out the rest of the season.

Also, the Bulldogs are left kicking themselves for the way that they lost. They took 13-0 lead, and seemed to have the game in control. But they simply allowed the Buckeyes to hang around, and Nelsonville-York (7-1) took advantage.

Bulldogs quarterback Trey Harris had a tough night, and threw his first two interceptions of the season. He has played so well throughout the season, but did not have his best night against Nelsonville-York.

Buckeyes running back Derek Arnold had another methodical game, as he finished with 102 rushing yards on 31 carries. Arnold also had the two scores for the Buckeyes. Nelsonville-York stuck to the ground game, and Arnold slowly piled up big numbers. His determination late in the game again proved why he is the top running backs in the league.

For Nelsonville-York, the victory is huge. The win likely guarantees that the Buckeyes will have a share of the TVC-Ohio title, which keeps them at the top of the league for another year. Also, beating Athens shot the Buckeyes up four places in the playoff standings.

After beating Athens, the Buckeyes are looking at the potential of hosting a playoff game in week 11. To have a home playoff game, Nelsonville-York would need to win out, which will be difficult because the Buckeyes play at Ironton (6-2) next week. Ironton is a bigger school and plays tougher competition in the SEOAL. It would be a big upset if Nelsonville-York comes out of Ironton with a victory.

Evens if the Buckeyes lose next week, they still have a good shot to make the playoffs because of the computer points they earned from beating Athens. The victory over Athens put the Buckeyes in good position to continue achieving the goals they set for themselves every year: to win the league and make the playoffs.

Now the Bulldogs finish the season against two teams (Belpre and Wahama) they should beat. Beating Belpre next week would give Athens a share of the TVC-Ohio title, which is a no small accomplishment. Even after the heartbreaking loss to the Buckeyes, Athens has still had a fabulous season overall and could finish the year with a 9-1 record.

[Orestes]

http://athensnews.com/editorial/blogs/high-school-sports-scene/29341-some-thoughts-from-another-big-week-in-high-school-football

and experienced Nelsonville-York team.

Uh. Define "experienced" please. As a program, NY has more experience with these situations. As a team (the word used above) Athens is more experienced than Nelsonville-York.

[Green Beagle]

Nice article. I noticed in the picture that #65 is just a sophomore clearing the way for the TD. NY had a center at 170 the guard at 170, their running backs out weigh the lineman and the last 10 yards they run it right up the gut at Athens strongest players. That is determination! The Bulldogs have put Athens football back on the map. They need to replace almost everyone on O and D but they will have a lot of kids out with the success they have had this season.
The Buckeyes play like a bunch of Devil Dogs when their back is against the wall. When I heard the final and found out how they fought back in this game against all odds, this term popped into my head. Any old Marines out there will understand what I am talking about.

"The term "Devil Dog" has its origins at Belleau Wood. It was in a dispatch from the German front lines to their higher headquarters explaining the current battle conditions that described the fighting abilities of the new, fresh Americans as fighting like "Teufel Hunden" or "Hounds from Hell."

They might be the Buckeyes but to me those players have earned the name Devil Dogs from me.

[NYBuckeye96]

http://athensnews.com/editorial/blogs/high-school-sports-scene/29341-some-thoughts-from-another-big-week-in-high-school-football

and experienced Nelsonville-York team.

Uh. Define "experienced" please. As a program, NY has more experience with these situations. As a team (the word used above) Athens is more experienced than Nelsonville-York.

I thought the same thing Orestes. If a team full of sophomores is experienced, what will that team be called when they are juniors in 2010 and seniors in 2011?