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Springfield’s Nick Russell throws, runs for a TD
By STEVE WILAJ
NEW MIDDLETOWN
East Liverpool’s Marky Thompkins has made plenty of highlight plays throughout his high school career. Heck, he once made a play that found its way to ESPN.
So when Thompkins made another spectacular play in Friday’s 33rd Penn-Ohio All-Star game at Springfield High, it was only fitting.
With the score tied at seven late in the third quarter, the East Liverpool standout intercepted a Pennsylvania pass on a failed trick-play, covering ground that looked to be insurmountable.
The turnover proved to be just the boost the Ohio team needed, propelling the Ohioans to a 19-7 victory over Pennsylvania.
Following the turnover, Ohio running back Shane O’Brien (Edison) ripped-off a 43-yard run on a drive capped-off by a 3-yard touchdown run from Steubenville fullback William Houst.
The Houst touchdown gave Ohio a 13-7 lead, which they never gave-up.
In celebration, Ohio coach Andrew Connor was doused with Gatorade by his players. It wasn’t the first time on the day he was soaked, though.
Rain and lightning delayed the game from its initial 7:30 start time.
After waiting out an hour and a half weather delay, both teams started slowly. With a first quarter full of penalties and defensive stops, Pennsylvania finally got on the board in the second quarter.
On fourth down Pennsylvania’s Dylan Bongiorni connected with Dustin Creel on a looping 34-yard touchdown pass.
Bongiorni was particularly effective on the day, the leading Pennsylvania rusher with 55 yards. He also led the team in passing with 44 yards and a touchdown.
Ohio answered back with a score of their own when Mark Ludewig of Indian Creek found the end zone from 1 yard out. The drive was keyed by two Pennsylvania personal fouls and a 17-yard catch by Zach Barnes (Lisbon) from Springfield’s Nick Russell.
The hometown quarterback finished 1-of-5 passing for 17 yards. He also scored on a bootleg run from 5 yards out for Ohio’s final touchdown, finishing with 24 rushing yards.
Taking home the game MVP for Ohio was O’Brien. He led the team with 104 yards rushing.
In the end, O’Brien and the rest of the Ohio backfield is what separated the two teams. Ohio out-rushed Pennsylvania 198 to 96.