Recap of Week One

 

The varsity started the week off with a win versus Lima OH Senior High School. Lima is a D2 school in Ohio with a successful history, including an Ohio D1 championship in 1996. However, in recent years the program struggled including their first ever winless season last year. Lima was able to coax a highly successful head coach, alumnus Mike Fell, back to right the program. Fell's spread offense should work well with the obviously talented roster, but they clearly need to work out the kinks. Lima had numerous penalties throughout the game as they worked on learning the new offense.

 

Beechwood had their own offensive struggles. They showed the big play capability with 2 long TD passes but the Tigers struggled running the ball. With three sophomores playing key roles on offense and starting their first varsity regular season game, it is understandable that there were jitters. But they made enough plays to get the win.

 

The defense, on the other hand, was outstanding. With the offense struggling, the defense played nearly 3/4's of the game on the field. It was a very hot and humid night but the Tigers used their depth to hang tough.

 

In the underclass ranks, heat was a big factor as well. The JV and freshman teams played a double header on a very hot Saturday afternoon at Simon Kenton. With many players going both ways in these games, the heat and the deep Simon Kenton rosters wore the Tigers down. Both teams were tied early in the second half before the heat took its toll and the Pioneers earned two TD victories in both games.

 

The Tigers went 1-2 as a program this hot weekend, with the nice win by varsity over a big Ohio school being the highlight of the week.

 

Mitch Thomas Injured

 

The sad news on the week was the loss of senior Mitch Thomas for the season due to a knee injury. It was an unusual way for a severe knee injury to happen. Thomas was playing defense on an end zone fade pass on 4th down. Thomas made a very nice play on the jump ball as he batted it out of the receiver's hands and saved a TD for the Tigers. There wasn't the type of contact you usually see on a severe knee injury. Thomas turned to knock down the pass and appeared to just land the wrong way on the knee. It is always extra tough to lose to injury a senior like Thomas, who has worked so hard for four years in a demanding program like Beechwood's and now it was his time to show his talent. Best wishes to Mitch on a complete and speedy recovery.

 

Class Act - Ethan Stringer

 

With the injury to Thomas, sophomore Ethan Stringer was asked to take over at running back. Stringer stepped up to the challenge and was named player of the game by the Skyline Showdown media. Stringer was awarded a trophy for the honor. Upon receiving his trophy on the field, Stringer immediately took the trophy, walked to the sideline where his injured teammate Thomas was standing on crutches, handed him the trophy and told Thomas he deserved that award. Way to go Ethan! Now that is brotherhood.

 

The Week Ahead

 

It will be a weekend of difficult challenges again for the Tiger teams. All three teams are taking on 6A challengers. The varsity hosts their first home game of the season on Friday night at 7:30 versus the Dixie Heights Colonels. The JV will be visiting the Colonels JV at 10 am Saturday morning. The freshmen travel to Union to take on the 6A Ryle Raiders on Thursday at 6 pm.

Recap of Week One

 

 

With the injury to Thomas, sophomore Ethan Stringer was asked to take over at running back. Stringer stepped up to the challenge and was named player of the game by the Skyline Showdown media. Stringer was awarded a trophy for the honor. Upon receiving his trophy on the field, Stringer immediately took the trophy, walked to the sideline where his injured teammate Thomas was standing on crutches, handed him the trophy and told Thomas he deserved that award. Way to go Ethan! Now that is brotherhood.

 

 

Great gesture!

:thumb:

[quote=EyeOfTheTiger;4770562

Class Act - Ethan Stringer

 

With the injury to Thomas, sophomore Ethan Stringer was asked to take over at running back. Stringer stepped up to the challenge and was named player of the game by the Skyline Showdown media. Stringer was awarded a trophy for the honor. Upon receiving his trophy on the field, Stringer immediately took the trophy, walked to the sideline where his injured teammate Thomas was standing on crutches, handed him the trophy and told Thomas he deserved that award. Way to go Ethan! Now that is brotherhood.

 

 

I second TP's comment above. That was very cool. I am going to start a separate thread on this. I think when things like this happen, it deserves to be recognized.

OK EOT, now you have my expectations up. I'm looking forward to reading these each week. Thanks for taking the time.

 

Great Article.

I have to agree with everyone regarding the Springer kid to Thomas great friendship. I spent four years with Coach Rash and his coaching staff and this is why I loved the program so much. It is a huge family down there and I enjoyed everyday I spent with these men. I only wish them the best in the future. JD