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Valley fans celebrate Ohio State victory over Oregon
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Ohio State football fans Matt Firment of McDonald, left, Ashley Hoff man of Vienna, Joe Murray of Youngstown, Charlie Brown of Niles and Angel Dunch of Howland watch the team play in the national championship game against Oregon at V2 Wine Bar Trattoria downtown Youngstown.
By BRANDON KLEIN
bklein@vindy.com
The Valley’s Ohio State University’s football fans cheered the team’s victory over Oregon in the national championship game Monday night.
The Buckeyes beat the Ducks 42-20.
Many of the fans gathered in their favorite venues to watch the game.
“If they give their all, that’s all that counts,” said Ethan Wilson of Cortland, who was watching the Buckeyes game at Martini Brothers Burger Bar on West Federal Street.
Garrett Welsh of Girard said it’s been a “phenomenal season,” despite losing its leading quarterback, Braxton Miller, to a shoulder injury before the season, and also its second string quarterback, J.T. Barrett, who was injured during the Michigan game.
Even more impressive was Cardale Jones stepping up to the plate as quarterback, and leading the Buckeyes to a victory against Wisconsin at 59-0, Welsh added.
As the Buckeyes played, the excitement was just as rampant at V2 Wine Bar Trattoria, next door to Martini.
“We hope for a Buckeyes victory,” said Shawn Eckonen, general manager of V2, not long after Oregon scored the first touchdown of the game.
Eckonen said he would be “devastated” if Ohio State lost.
On the other hand, “there is no word to describe that feeling [if they win],” he added.
Not sitting far from them, was Jeremy Morales of Boardman, Danny Diaz of Youngstown and Dan Mir of Youngstown.
Some Ohio State fans were impressed with the team’s performance overall this year.
The desire to win the national championship was strong since Ohio State lost two national championships in 2006 and ‘07, Eckonen said.
Matt Firment of McDonald, who was watching the game at V2 with friends said regardless of whether they win or lose, Ohio State has done well by making it to the national championship with its third quarterback.
“That’s an accomplishment in itself,” he said. “I’m proud of these guys.”
The game was a milestone for Ohio State as it takes part in the first national championship of college football’s play-off era.
The team earned the chance by defeating top-ranked Alabama in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day.