by The Tiffin Columbian Tornados advanced to the Regional Finals with a shut-out win over the Buckeye Bucks 35-0. Standouts like their quarterback Brayden Roggow (24/26, 360 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT), running back Damien Brockington (21 att. 96 yards, 2 TD), and wide receiver Brady Gooding (7 catches, 162 yards, 1 TD) helped the team drive the ball with ease. Throughout the entire game, they did not punt the ball once. On the other hand, while Buckeye’s offense did not put up any points, they were close on some instances. They went into the Tornadoes territory 4 times and were in the red zone three times yet produced no score. The Tiffin Columbian defense stood firm as they produced big pass break-ups and tackles for loss to keep the Bucks from reaching the end zone.
1st Quarter
With Tiffin Columbian (T.C) getting the ball first, they would set the tone. Driving with ease with a balance of the pass and run game, they immediately found themselves in Buckeye territory. They were held to a fourth down and long, but easily converted with a pass to receiver Bryce Roggow. They ended the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run by Damien Brockington.
Buckeye, hoping to answer back, had a huge play by quarterback Casey Murray on a scramble that took him to the Tornadoes 30-yard line. But the play was negated by a holding call and the Bucks were forced to punt. The Tornadoes once again put a balanced drive together, using short passes and the run against the Bucks, ending once again with a 4-yard touchdown run by Brockington.
2nd Quarter
Already down 14-0, the Bucks could not afford to be in a hole this early. The Bucks would incorporate RPO’s to catch the Tornadoes defense off-guard. Murray would also make great throws on the run to get the Bucks in Tornado territory. The drive stalled however and was held to a 4th and 3. Deciding to go for it, the Bucks caught the defense off-guard with a play-action pass from the I-formation. A receiver was wide-open, but the pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage.
The Tornadoes would drive with ease again, focusing more on interior running and outside pass routes. They were deep in Buckeye territory until a receiver fumbled the ball and the Bucks recovered. However, the Bucks would be held to a three and out and forced to punt after the fumble. T. C’s next drive would focus more on the pass as time was winding down in the second quarter. But pressure from the Bucks defense forced Brayden Roggow to throw an interception to defensive back Nick Balaban.
With little time, the Bucks would pass the ball and moved very quickly, but like T.C, had a receiver fumble the ball in the opposing team’s territory. Under two minutes and with all three timeouts, the Tornadoes drove quickly and efficiently. With 8 seconds left, Brayden Roggow threw a 25-yard touchdown into near perfect coverage to receiver Jack Newlove.
3rd Quarter
Losing 21-0, the Bucks had nothing to lose. Taking over near midfield on a pooch kick by T.C, the Bucks were immediately in the red zone thanks to Murray’s ability to scramble and his throwing ability. Sadly, the Bucks were held to a 4th and 4 and stuffed on the 4th down try at the line of scrimmage. Taking over, Roggow would throw a 72-yard touchdown pass on a scramble to extend the Tornadoes lead.
Despite being down 28-0, the Bucks were still putting up a fight. The run game had finally started to open for Buckeye and with Murray using RPO and play-action to keep the defense on edge, Buckeye found itself deep in Tornado territory. Even so, the Bucks were still held to a 4th down on the Tornado 4-yard line. Buckeye called a pass play to a wide-open receiver but was broken up perfectly by Newlove, who also plays defensive back.
4th Quarter/Recap
Early in the fourth quarter, T.C drove down the field and scored on a 14-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jack Koerper. This marked the exclamation point in T. C’s victory. The Bucks still could not get anything going on offense, and the Tornadoes would run out the clock. The Bucks ended their historic playoff run with a 10-3 overall record. While the Tornadoes (11-2) will be heading to the Regional Finals to take on Toledo Central Catholic.
Player of the Game
The player of the game goes to T.C quarterback Brayden Roggow, who despite throwing 1 interception, was 24 of 26 for 360 yards and two touchdowns.
