By Steve ruman

sports @vindy.com

MINERAL RIDGE

Since suffering its lone loss of the season three weeks ago, Springfield has taken the approach that the playoffs have arrived.

In fact, the Tigers entered Friday night’s game at Mineral Ridge seventh in the Division VI, Region 21 computer ratings. They will indeed have to go 9-1 and get some outside help to play into November.

Against the Rams, Springfield certainly looked like a team knowing it cannot have any slip-ups.

The Tigers (7-1, 4-1 Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference) played a near perfect game, and the result was a 57-8 victory over a Mineral Ridge team which falls to 1-7 and 1-4.

Springfield needed just two plays and 32 seconds to score the game’s first touchdown. After quarterback Brannon Brungard ran for 50 yards on the first play of the game, Brungard hooked up with Mitchell Seymour on a 6-yard pass to give the Tigers a 7-0 lead.

The quick strike would set the tone for the first half.

Springfield ran just 22 plays from scrimmage in the first two quarters, resulting in seven touchdowns and a 50-0 advantage at the break. The Tigers amassed 372 yards of offense by halftime.

“We talked about the importance of coming out strong and establishing a quick advantage,” said Springfield coach Sean Guerriero. “All week our focus was on doing the little things, taking care of the ball, wrapping up on defense, not making any mental mistakes. From that standpoint, I thought we did a good job.

“Our kids came out and executed the game plan. That’s all we can ask.”

Brungard executed his game plan to perfection. The senior completed all nine of his pass attempts, throwing for 194 yards and three touchdowns. In the process, Brungard eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark this year.

Afterward, Brungard said he was unaware of his perfect night.

“In the moment, you never think about what’s happening, you just take things play to play,” Brungard said. “I had no idea what kind of stats I had. I don’t worry about that because right now it’s all about this team getting enough wins to play beyond Week 10.

“All of those numbers, they are team statistics. I don’t do anything without a great line blocking for me and a great group of receivers. They deserve all the credit.”

The Springfield rushing game accounted for 246 yards and five touchdowns. Leading the way was senior Luke Snyder, who carried the ball just 12 times but gained 125 yards and ran for a pair of touchdowns.

Shane Eynon pulled in a team-high three receptions for 92 yards. One of the catches went for a 75-yard score.

Mineral Ridge was kept out of the end zone until the final seconds of the game when quarterback Dakota Edwards hooked up with freshman Marc Bunch for a 29-yard touchdown.

“It was nice to see our kids fight to the end, they came out and competed but they were just out manned,” said Mineral Ridge acting coach Andy Apisa. “It’s tough, we came into the game with 18 players and Springfield is as good as the McDonalds and the Western Reserves. With their numbers and talent, they just wear you down.”

Apisa is coaching in place of Steve Wyllie, who was placed on administrative leave from coaching and teaching in late September. Mineral Ridge school officials say only that the circumstances surrounding Wyllie’s leave are still under investigation.

Friday’s game included a delay by more than 30 minutes due to an injury suffered by Springfield junior Ray Nespeca, The knee injury occurred near the end of the third quarter. Nespeca was eventually carted off the field on a stretcher.

“Ray is a great kid who does all the little things right,” Guerriero said. “Our thoughts certainly are with him. That takes some of the joy out of the night, he’s obviously our main concern.”