Tennant interceptions critical for Trumbull

June 14, 2019 at 12:05a.m.

Tennant interceptions

critical for Trumbull

By STEVE RUMAN

NILES

LaBrae football player Benton Tennant said he had two goals in mind Thursday when he took the field to play in the 35th annual Jack Arvin Classic.

“Give 100 percent and have some fun,” Tennant said of his plans for the night.

Judging by his play, and the post-game smile that followed, Tennant achieved what he set out to do.

Thanks in large part to a pair of Tennant interceptions, the Trumbull All-Stars defeated the Mahoning-Columbiana All-Stars 10-6 on a damp and cold night at Bo Rein Stadium.

Trumbull County has won three of the last four meetings which feature some of the area’s top graduating seniors.

On the first possession, Tennant intercepted a Michael O’Horo (Boardman) pass and returned it 50 yards. The pick set up a Mike Clauss (Warren Harding) 22-yard field goal, giving Trumbull an early 3-0 lead.

Then, on Mahoning’s final possession of the night, Tennant intercepted a pass in the back of the end zone with 2:23 left to seal the win.

Mahoning had taken possession of the football at its own 10-yard line and marched down to the Trumbull 15 before Tennant forced the turnover.

“I kind of knew where they were going on that final play, so I just back-pedaled and read the quarterback,” Tennant said. “Our entire defense was making play after play all night. I just wanted to chip in and do my part.

“That was a fun night. Lot’s of challenges, lots of good football against some really tough players.”

Mahoning’s lone score came in the latter stages of the first quarter when O’Horo hooked up with Valley Christian’s Jordan Trowers on an 18-yard touchdown pass.

Mahoning took the 6-3 advantage into the locker room, but Trumbull scored what proved to be the game-winner on its second possession of the second half.

Warren Harding’s Jeremy Wilson hauled in a 4-yard pass from Trystan Mollohan (Southington) with 2:52 left in the third quarter for the final points.

“I thought there would be more points scored, especially when you look at all the skilled talent on that Mahoning side,” said Trumbull coach Tim McGlynn (Champion). “We were able to control the ball offensively, and keep their opportunities to a minimum. Our guys did a nice job of making plays in key situations.

“As far as Benton goes, I’m not surprised at what he did. Having played against LaBrae this year, I knew he and those other LaBrae players were tough, smart kids.”

McGlynn called the opportunity to coach in the all-star game “a rewarding experience.”

“It was kind of funny, all week long during practices these guys sort of stayed in their own little cliques, but tonight they were all high-fiving each other, they were like one team full of unity,” McGlynn said.

Mahoning coach Dan Williams (McDonald) also enjoyed the opportunity to spend a week with his players.

“Just to be around all of that talent, it’s a pretty unique experience,” Williams said. “It’s a great opportunity for these kids who are rivals up until now to get to know each other, to get an opportunity to compete against the best of the best. It’s a lot of fun.”

Niles’ Robbie Savin was named the Most Valuable Player for the winning Trumbull team. Savin gained 72 yards on 10 carries.

O’Horo earned MVP honors for Mahoning.