Lehman masters Loramie again; Cavs roll into playoffs
By Tim Langevin
Lehman torpedoed Fort Loramie with an aggressive defense, coupled with the thunder of Kaleb Goins and a lightening strike by Andrew Gilardi, to post a convincing 41-6 win in the much-anticipated showdown Friday night at Sidney Memorial Stadium.
And in the process, the Cavaliers claim their second straight Metro Buckeye Conference title and run its streak to 8-0 in conference play and 6-0 against Fort Loramie.
This was a “statement” victory for Lehman. And what a statement, echoing loud and clear that the mighty Cavs are poised for a deep Division VI post-season run.
As for Loramie, perhaps this loss was a reality check. Although miles ahead of the learning curve, this upstart program is not quite ready for prime-time status.
In talking with Lehman coach Dick Roll, his squad has been playing with a chip on its shoulder all season long.
“We played a playoff caliber team tonight,” said Roll ebulliently. “We kept hearing people telling us that Fort Loramie is a good, disciplined team. Well, that helped us prepare. We had something to prove.”
The cynicism in Roll’s comments were directed to those who have been critical of Lehman’s schedule.
Young Fort Loramie counterpart, Matt Burgbacher said, “We have a chance to start a new season next week. I told the boys to think about this game until Saturday morning and then move on.”
He added, “Tonight Lehman came out ready to play. We came out ready to play, but we put ourselves in situations with penalties, turnovers, and missed blocking assignments. Lehman’s defense was very aggressive and we weren’t.”
The Redskins were flagged 11 times for 110 yards.
Lehman’s offensive line set the tone, marching 73 yards in 10 plays on the opening drive for a quick 7-0 lead. Senior FB Kaleb Goins paved the way with 32 yards on five carries, including his seven-yard TD blast.
Not as boisterous, Goins would finish the evening with a modest 126 yards on 20 carries with two scores. He has gained 1,676 yards on the season, boosting his career total to 4,696 yards. His two TDs tie the single season record of 27, set by Ryan Sollman back in 1993. Goins already owns the career rushing mark, previously held by Dan Jacob and the career TD record with 67.
But listening to Goins, that’s not enough: “This was definitely a statement win. We have a huge senior class and we all know what’s at stake. We believe we can go pretty far. We are ready to take on whoever. We are going to come out and be ready.”
Lehman’s defensive line also set the tone, forcing Loramie to a three and out on its first possession. In fact, the next nine Loramie possessions resulted in zippo. Not until the 3:14 mark of the fourth quarter did the Redskins get on the scoreboard. Ryan Humphreys hit Jake Cordonnier on a 39-yard TD strike.
The Cavs “Operation Swarm” defense dominated, holding Loramie to four first downs and just three yards rushing in the first half. The Redskins ended the game with 56 yards rushing and 191 total yards.
Rodney Huston, Matt Pulfer, and Devin Richard each recorded sacks totaling minus 22 yards. Joe Staley accounted for the blocked punt which resulted in the Richard TD in the second quarter for a 14-0 lead. Pulfer and Travis Ratliff each had a pick.
Coach Roll said, “Our defense played well. The best all season. I was concerned with their misdirection. A couple of times that play hurt us. But we tackled well and our pass rush was good.”
Indeed. QB Humphreys had a frustrating evening. He was sacked three times, hurried 12 passes, rushed for minus 19 yards, fumbled once, and threw two interceptions. The bright side, he managed 135 yards through the air on 8-of-20 throws with one TD. The junior signal caller has 1,073 yards passing with 12 TDs on the season.
While Goins has provided the thunder most of his brilliant career, sophomore TB Andrew Gilardi struck with a lightening 72-yard scamper down the left sideline with 5:33 left in the game to pad the lead 41-0. That’s the second time in his young career that he has taken it to the house on a long run.
RB Travis Ratliff carried the ball seven times for 40 yards, including a 17-yard TD run.
Coach Roll said, “Ratliff had a nice overall game. He had on pick and he had some great leads in the backfield.”
It was tough sledding for Loramie’s feature back Cory Brandewie, who entered the contest with 889 yards rushing. He carried the ball 10 times for 25 yards.
Asked about the difference between this team and last year’s squad, Roll said, “We throw the ball better. We have an outside game. Not just between the tackles.”
Coach Burgbacher concluded, “It’s a new season. Anything can happen when you get to the playoffs. We will prepare for a quality team in Marion Local. We will give it our best shot. I know the kids will respond. I am excited to see it next week.”
And so, the playoff menu is established. Fort Loramie (8-2) will host Marion Local (8-2). Lehman (9-1) will entertain Lockland (6-4). Both games are this Friday.
In other playoff action Friday, Minster (5-5) travels to top seed Springfield Catholic Central (9-1). In Division V, Anna (8-2) hosts Coldwater (7-3) this Saturday.
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