Reed Florence
Trojans QB
SOUTH CHARLESTON — The last time the Southeastern High School football team started a season 2-0 was 2004. The 2009 Trojans have matched that — and then some.
Quarterback Reed Florence set two school records in a 56-34 win against Fairbanks High School on Friday, Sept. 4, with the most passing yards (458) and touchdown passes (six) in one game.
Spencer Saunders kicked eight extra points, also a school record.
Austin Mercer returned an interception 99 yards, which would have been another school record, but a flag was thrown because several Trojans were outside the sideline box. The return was called back, but the Trojans maintained possession.
Even the 2001 team that went 12-1 never scored 56 points in one game. The most recent high total for points was 48 against Fairbanks in 2002.
Through two games, Florence is the area’s top passer (653 yards, nine TDs), and Mercer is the area’s top receiver (277 yards, four TDs).
Southeastern coach Greg Bonifay attributed the success of the basketball team last season (Ohio Heritage Conference champions and district runners-up) as one reason the Trojans are successful in football.
“The part we needed to get over was learning how to win,” Bonifay said. “Once you get rolling and playing with that confidence, a little bit of swagger, it helps.”
Southeastern travels to Madison Plains (1-1) on Friday.
Tough start
Mechanicsburg is 0-2 for the first time since 2000.
The Indians have been close in both losses, 28-14 to West Jefferson and 24-21 to Frankfort Adena. They host Benjamin Logan (1-1) on Friday.
Around the state
One-pointers: Beachwood beat Wickliffe 8-7; Wellsville beat Toronto 15-14; Wooster beat Mt. Vernon 16-15.
High scoring, for both sides: LaGrange Keystone beat Doylestown Chippewa 62-56; Toledo Christian beat Holgate 62-49.
High scoring, for one side: North Baltimore beat Lakeside Danbury 64-0; Pemberville Eastwood beat Rossford 72-0.
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ontact this reporter at (937) 328-0366 or bplasters@coxohio.com.
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