By Ryan Jones

The two teams combined for eight turnovers, but the Rams forced five on the Tigers.

NEW MIDDLETOWN — In a contest where miscues were plentiful, Mineral Ridge’s defense forced five turnovers and Dan Skiba’s fourth quarter touchdown run propelled the Rams to a 13-7 victory over Springfield.

Even though the Rams (3-2, 2-0 ITCL Tier One) and Tigers (3-2, 0-2) combined for eight turnovers — five fumbles and three interceptions — Mineral Ridge coach Dom Leone said he was happy to come out on the right side of an ugly game.

“We have played a tough schedule this season with McDonald and Mogadore as two of our three out of conference games,” Leone said. “It has prepared us for league play. Anytime you can get a win on the road in this league it’s huge.”

Trailing 7-6 Mineral Ridge took the first possession of the fourth quarter and drove 50 yards into Springfield territory. After failing to convert on third-and-2from the 8, Troy Cross’ 24-yard field goal was blocked by David Munholand and downed in the end zone.

However, Mineral Ridge forced the Tigers offense into a three and out on their ensuing possession and following a Bryan Visingardi punt had the ball near midfield with a touch under six minutes remaining.

The Rams triple-option attack methodically drove the ball 53 yards, and was capped off by Skiba’s 11-yard touchdown plunge for a 13-7 lead.

Leone said Skiba is a playmaker on both sides of the ball.

“Dan has played exceptional for us and he’s only 15 years old,” Leone said. “He’s the type of player that can turn a game around with one play.”

Leone said his offense is just now beginning to hit stride.

“We run the triple option because it gives you a lot of options,” he said. “Our first two quarterbacks were injured when we started the season. Jesse Garland [who broke his wrist against Mogadore in a scrimmage] has finally made his way back and the offense is starting to click.”

Four Rams rushed for more than 30 yards. Kyle Skiba led the way with 22 carries and 98 yards, Dan Skiba finished with 52 on nine carries, while Garland and Joe Booth had 40 and 31 yards respectively.

The Rams took the first lead of the contest, 6-0, when Dan Skiba intercepted Matt Evan’s pass and returned it 64 yards.

“Everyone on defense started laying people out in front of me,” Skiba said of his interception return. “All I had to do was run it down the field.”

“This was a big win for our team,” he said. “We’re 2-0 now, and hopefully we can make it 3-0 next week against United.”

Springfield coach Sean Guerriero said it was tough to waste a solid effort on defense and special teams.

“We played some great defense,” he said. “Coach Slopak and coach DiRenzo really had the guys prepared, but you can’t turn it over five times and win. We’ll take it one game at a time like we do, and will have to get better on every play of every practice. We need to work on the little things to start finding success again.”

Evans led the Tigers on offense by completing 10-of-15 passes for 80 yards.