Columbiana shuts out Struthers 37-0

By GREG GULAS

Vindicator Correspondent

STRUTHERS — Grant Crider scored two touchdowns, Jon Ritchey rushed for one score and threw for another and Columbiana racked up 377 yards of total offense as the Clippers defeated the Struthers Wildcats, 37-0, on Friday at Lannie J. Fedor Field.

Crider rushed for one score and caught a 13-yard scoring strike from quarterback Bryan Fay for another Clippers tally, but it was his fumble recovery midway through the third quarter after Ritchey’s 39-yard touchdown run that led to Ritchey’s touchdown strike to Mardell Halas, the score that for the most part but took all the wind out of the Wildcats’ sails.

“On that kickoff, we ran what we call a squeeze and I just took off down the field trying to catch the ball,” said Crider.

“They happened to muff the football and after it passed through their legs, I was fortunate enough to come up with the loose ball.

The Clippers (3-0) rushed for 344 yards and three touchdowns, but it was the Columbiana defense that kept the Wildcats’ (0-3) offense in check all night, holding them to just 32 rushing yards (on 25 carries) and just 72 offensive yards overall.

“We’ve been very opportunistic through our first three games and tonight was no different,” said Columbiana coach Bob Spaite.

“Our defensive coordinator, Larry Baughman, and the entire defensive staff formulated an excellent game plan and that was a key for us tonight.

“We’re happy to be 3-0, which is right where every team wants to be at this point in the season. Our league is tough and we realize that we have our work cut out for us the rest of the way.”

Long scoring drives have been a key to the Clippers’ success through the first three games this season.

It was those sustained drives that kept the ball out of the hands of the Wildcats and Columbiana in control of the clock Friday night.

After holding the Wildcats to a three-and-out on their first possession of the game, Jeff Davidson’s 1-yard run capped a 10-play, 51-yard drive that lasted 5:14 as Columbiana forged the early seven point advantage.

Fay’s 13-yard scoring strike to Crider at the 2:51 mark of the second period then put the final touches on a 19-play, 91-yard drive that lasted 8:26, allowing the Clippers to forge a 14-0 margin at intermission.

Ritchey’s 39-yard run at 8:12 of the third period increased their lead to 21-0 and when he found Halas in the end zone from 20 yards out just over two minutes later, the Clippers had increased their lead to 28-0 with 12 minutes remaining.

Ritchey, too, lauded the play of his offensive line.

“Our offensive line is one of the biggest and best in the ITCL this year.

“Everyone credits the backs when they see a good run or score, but we feel confident running behind them because we know we will get a three-yard push all the time,” Ritchey added.

Crider’s 69-yard scamper just 13 seconds into the final stanza increased the Columbiana lead to 34-0 while placekicker Jared Harold’s 27-yard field goal midway through the frame rounded out the scoring.

Miscues and untimely penalties have been a contributing factor to Struthers’ offensive power outage thus far this season.

With just 14 points through their first three games, Wildcats coach Dallas Saunders can only scratch his head when thinking of the possibilities if the aforementioned was eliminated.

“We had an opportunity tonight to score on our first two drives but came up short. Penalties hurt us and they just took advantage of our mistakes.

“Columbiana is an excellent team and they will have a fantastic year.

“We just need to be a little more disciplined,” Saunders said.