Final.

Taft is top 10 team in Ohio Div 5 so pretty good team.

Tough break for Beechwood, good game though.

It was an unusual game last night. There was only one possession in the entire game by either team that a team was forced to punt without getting a first down (Taft's second possession of the game). There were several long, time eating drives by both teams in the game. The result was Beechwood had 5 offensive possession in the entire game and Taft had 6 offensive possessions.

 

The difference in the game was Beechwood was unable to get the ball into the end zone and Taft was. Two times Beechwood had first and goal. The first possession of the game they rather easily marched 65 yards down field only to have a bad play on 2nd and goal that went for a loss. The Tigers had to settle for a field goal. On Beechwood's only possession of the second quarter they again moved the ball well starting from their own 31 to a first and goal, only to suffer an interception in the end zone by Taft.

 

In the second half, Beechwood had two possessions. They had a long drive that they were stopped on downs after moving into the red zone. Their last drive they were again moving the ball but two sacks led to a fourth down pass that was intercepted by Taft at their own 35. Taft ran out the clock from there.

 

Taft has a very good team. I think the QB Brazziel is the best QB Beechwood has seen this year. Their receivers Smith and Rudolph are impressive juniors that can play at the next level. Their tackle Medallion is 6'5" 280 pound and ripped. He is getting D1 looks. Their 6' 235 pound LB Carson was all over the field making tackles. I was impressed with Taft's coaching staff.

 

For Beechwood, Blake Shepherd was incredible. He seemed to be in on every tackle and had some great hits. The Tigers did everything right to win this game against a very good team except get the ball in the end zone on first and goal situations. This game made the Tigers better and that is the goal. They will be ready to go when division play begins.

Kudos to Taft. It was in fact a grind it out defensive struggle, and they held it together and persevered.

 

Great game by Blake Shepherd and the defense overall. He was everywhere. And Taft had some incredible playmakers to stop.

 

Losses hurt, but I gotta think this was just another game that makes the Beechies stronger as the season goes on.

...

Taft is good but not top ten good.

How hard did graduation hit Beechwood?

How hard did graduation hit Beechwood?

 

Pretty hard. I think only 2 starters on offense returned and 2 on defense. Williams, Shepard and Hergott were the only ones who started last year. I think they are starting a freshman and 5 or 6 sophomores as well this year.

To the posts above I will add that the entire starting line on both sides of the ball graduated.

 

Plus it isn't just about the numbers. Four D1 scholarship athletes graduated. I am not sure if there are any D1 athletes in the current starting lineups.