The Rams (1-0) have been to three straight Division II state championships and won in 2011. Springfield (0-1) couldn’t shake an injury bug that depleted its lineup of several key players. Justus Banks returned a fumble 98 yards in the third quarter for the Wildcats’ score.
The contest was the opener of the Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown doubleheader. Thurgood Marshall played Northmont in the nightcap.
Centerville 38, Pickerington Central 33: The Elks raced to a 31-7 lead then wilted in the fourth quarter but hung on to dodge state-tested Central.
Central appeared to be headed toward the winning touchdown, but Xavier Motley returned an interception 88 yards for the final Elks score with 1:22 left. That put the Elks up 38-26. The Tigers answered with 11 seconds remaining to complete a 26-point fourth quarter.
Damien Popp scored twice for the Elks (1-0).
Springboro 34, Mason 21: D.L Knock returned a punt 57 yards for a touchdown and quarterback Jack Schaaf dashed 35 yards for another score as the Panthers posted an early advantage and rolled in another non-league opener.
Schaaf finished with 96 passing yards and 152 rushing yards. Joe Kylin added 95 yards and a touchdown to round out the Panthers ground attack.
Fairfield 21, Beavercreek 7: Tied at 7-all at halftime, host Fairfield bunched two third-quarter scores to defeat the Beavers for the second straight year in an opener.
Beavercreek’s defense against the run was spectacular, holding Fairfield to 21 yards on 20 carries. But Indians receiver Tyron Harper made up for that with 11 catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns.
Alter 17, Fairmont 14: The Knights recorded seven sacks and overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the rival Firebirds for the ninth straight time.
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