by Mansfield, OH: For the second season in a row, the St. Edward Eagles (11-3) saw their season end at Arlin Field, this time in a 28-0 shutout loss to Olentangy Orange (14-0). The Eagles were unable to get any momentum on offense, turning the ball over five times and seeing their 50-game touchdown streak broken. Mr. Football candidate Levi Davis had himself a game for Orange, going 5-9 for 73 yards through the air, adding another 72 yards and two scores on the ground.
First Half
St. Edward received the opening kickoff but could not get anything going offensively, coming up short on fourth down and giving the Pioneers great field position. Two plays later, Davis took the quarterback keeper 45 yards to the house, giving Orange an early 7-0 lead.
The Eagles would not have the ball long on their next possession as Jonny Evanchick was picked off by Treyton Shroder on the second play. The Pioneers would work the ball across midfield, but an incomplete pass on fourth down gave the ball back to St. Edward. Unfortunately for the Eagles, they were forced to punt after crossing the 50-yard line.
St. Edward picked up a first down on their next drive, but once again Evanchick was picked off, this time by Kingston Johnoson. Orange would work the ball into field goal range, but Tyler Gibson’s 40-yard attempt came up short, keeping it a 7-0 game.
Both teams would get possessions before the half, but neither could get on the scoreboard. Heading into the half, Olentangy Orange led 7-0.
Second Half
The Pioneers received the second half kickoff and got a huge return from Zane Konczak, setting them up in Eagles’ territory. Facing a fourth and six, Davis connected with Schroder for 17 yards to keep the drive alive. Two plays after a pass interference gave Orange a first down, Lucas Fickel went 10 yards up the middle for a touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0.
Needing a positive drive in the worst way, St. Edward responded and drove right into Orange territory. Unfortunately for the Eagles, an incomplete pass on fourth down ended the threat, keeping St. Edward off the scoreboard.
Near the end of the third, the Eagles began their drive on the 50. On third down, Evanchick completed a pass to Noah Ratchford but the ball came loose, immediately being recovered by Aden Scott of Olentangy Orange. Two plays later, Davis took off once again, this time scoring from 15 yards out to extend the Pioneer lead to 21-0 late in the third.
On the very first play of the fourth quarter, Evanchick was picked off by Treyton Schroder, giving Orange the ball at the Eagles’ 27. Fickel picked up two yards on fourth down to keep the drive alive and, one play later, took the handoff 15 yards for his second touchdown of the night. After the extra point sailed through the uprights, Orange held a 28-0.
With time running out, St. Edward put together their longest drive of the game. Evanchick was able to use his legs and pick up crucial yards for the Eagles. On the 16th play of the drive, disaster struck as Johnoson picked off Evanchick in the endzone.
Olentangy Orange needed to pick up one first down to ice the game and they did, kneeling out the last minute of the clock to seal a 28-0 victory, sending the Pioneers to their first ever state championship game.
Keys to the Game
The team that wins the turnover battle is usually in a good position to win and this game was no different. Not only did the Pioneers finish with a +5 turnover margin, they also dominated the time of possession 28:52-19:08. If Orange is able to replicate this effort in the state championship game, they may just bring home their first ever football state title.
Next Week
Olentangy Orange advances to its first ever championship game where they will square off with Cincinnati St. Xavier (11-2). The Bombers advanced to the title game with a 21-6 win over Middletown. The kick off is scheduled for 7:30 pm next Friday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.
Top Performers
Olentangy Orange Pioneers
Levi Davis: 5-9 73 yards 10 carries 72 yards 2 TD
Lucas Fickel: 29 carries 112 yards 2 TD
St. Edward Eagles
Brandon White: 21 carries 51 yards 1 catch 4 yards
Jonny Evanchick: 8-17 60 yards 4 INT 12 carries 76 yards
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Orange 9:36- Levi Davis, 44-yard run (kick good)
3rd Quarter
Orange 7:46- Lucas Fickel, 10-yard run (kick good)
Orange 0:17- Levi Davis, 15-yard run (kick good)
4th Quarter
Orange 8:47- Lucas Fickel, 16-yard run (kick good)
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | FINAL | |
| Orange | 7 | 0 | 14 | 7 | 28 |
| St. Edward | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
