Saturday, October 20, 2007
The Bulldogs kept it closer than people expected.
By ERIC HAMILTON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
EAST PALESTINE — Whether the Columbiana High football team was still reeling from last week’s loss to South Range or thinking ahead to next week’s showdown against rival Crestview, it was clear that its thoughts weren’t on East Palestine in the first half of Friday’s contest.
The Bulldogs, starting their third-string quarterback because of injuries, got the Clippers’ attention early and were thinking upset. East Palestine used a stout defense and several big offensive plays to fight Columbiana to a 7-all tie after the first half.
But with the Bulldogs still hanging in and driving for a go-ahead score early in the third quarter, the momentum changed in an instant. Quarterback Shane Peterson scampered 16 yards down to the Columbiana 24, but broke his collarbone on the play and did not return.
The Clippers’ defense held and the offense scored on its next two possessions, as Columbiana (7-2, 5-1 ITCL Tier One) salvaged a 21-7 victory and likely clinched a Division VI playoff berth. A win next week against Crestview could secure a home game in the first round.
“You have to give East Palestine credit, they came to play,” said Columbiana coach Bob Spaite. “They’ve been playing with a rash of injuries, but they played hard tonight. They came ready to play and we didn’t.
“It was the worst scenario for us — losing a money game last week to South Range, then having Crestview next week. We were just sleepwalking in the first half. We have some great players, but we just did some little things wrong.”
Columbiana had little problem moving the football, racking up 340 total yards, including a combined 211 yards rushing from quarterback Ryan Williams and fullback Josh Hertel. Williams (122 yards) and Hertel (89) both went over the 1,000 yard mark for the season.
It’s the third season in the last four that the Clippers have had two backs reach the milestone.
“It’s not uncommon in the offense we run,” said Spaite. “You need a great quarterback and a fullback that can just hammer inside. We’re lucky enough to have them both this year.”
Columbiana took an early 7-0 advantage on its first offensive possession, driving 85 yards in eight plays. The march was highlighted by a 48-yard jaunt by Josh Harold with 6:35 left in the first period.
East Palestine responded two possessions later. A 64-yard run by Aaron Householder got the Bulldogs to the Clippers’ 11. Three plays later, Gary Sensenbaugher scored from 3 yards out to tie the game at halftime.
“Our effort really improved and we played a tough game against a tough Columbiana team,” said East Palestine coach Jeff Sharkey.
“When our quarterback went down it changed the game; not just emotionally, but in what we could do on offense.
“Defensively, we still played hard, but we were just limited in what we could do offensively. It kind of took the air out of our sails there.”