“We took the L to them last year so we just wanted to come back and get our revenge,” said senior linebacker Jaivian Norman.
Mission accomplished.
Senior quarterback Bryce Schondelmyer went 25-for-31 for 353 yards and three touchdown passes as the Division I fourth-ranked Wildcats routed Miamisburg 39-0 in Greater Western Ohio Conference action on Friday night in Springfield.
“It was a good night for our seniors,” said Wildcats coach Maurice Douglass. “The underclassmen stepped their game up because it was the seniors’ night. They did what they asked them to do. You want to send your seniors out with a bang on Senior Night. Good Lord willing we’ll do what we’re supposed to do and we’ll have two more home (playoff games) for them.”
With the victory and Wayne’s 17-13 win over Springboro, Springfield (7-1, 5-1) clinched at least a share of its second straight GWOC title.
“It felt great,” said senior defensive back Tyron Barnes. “We just worked all week getting prepared. Everybody was locked in. … We knew we had to get this one tonight, especially on Senior Night.”
Junior Jayvin Norman and senior Jayden McKinster each ran for touchdowns in the first half. Junior Da’Shawn Martin caught eight passes for 115 yards and two TD passes and senior Daylen Bradley also six passes for 85 yards and TD pass as Springfield won its third straight game. Sophomore quarterback Brent Upshaw also threw a 53-yard TD pass to Anthony Brown in the second half.
Springfield’s offense exploded for 449 yards, including 399 yards through the air. Schondelmyer completed passes to six different receivers.
The Wildcats led 27-0 at the half and scored on the first drive of the third quarter to trigger the running clock. Springfield held the ball for more than 37 minutes in the victory.
“They’re really good,” said Vikings coach Lance Schneider. “Usually high school teams will have two or three good skill guys and a couple others they’re trying to hide. There’s nobody they’re hiding over there. They can get it to whoever they want. Schondelmyer is as accurate as could be. They’re a very difficult team to defend. They just played really well tonight and we didn’t play well at all.”
The Wildcats defense was stellar, holding the Vikings to 94 yards and six first downs. Senior linebacker Jimmy Gamblin III had two sacks and two tackles for loss, while sophomore defensive end Jackson Heims had a sack and Barnes added a forced fumble and fumble recovery. Sophomore defensive back Quenta Wafer, Jr. also had an interception.
“Ever since we took that L to Fairmont, the team has been locked in on all cylinders from our quarterback to our young offensive line,” Norman said. “Everyone is just bought in.”
Miamisburg fell to 4-5 and 2-4 in the GWOC. The Vikings host Springboro next Friday night.
Springfield can clinch the outright GWOC title with a victory at Northmont in Week 10.
“We’ve just got to handle our business, have a good week of practice,” Douglass said.
About the Author