By Drew Terhall

DailyAdvocate.com

DARKE COUNTY — The high school football playoffs is slowly getting closer to the State Championship game. After the Regional Semifinals, Darke County is down to two representatives in the playoffs. Here are the scores and stats from the games on Nov. 10.

Division VII, Region 28: 2 Ansonia 20 vs 14 St. Henry 13

The Tigers are moving on to the Regional Finals with the win over St. Henry at Alexander Stadium at Piqua. Head coach Adam Hall said it’s not a surprise they’re in the Regional Finals after seeing the hard work the team put in during the offseason.

“We knew coming back, we had some guys to replaced. But the way we worked in the offseason and the amount of seniors we have and the way they work and lead this team, I’m proud of them. I’m happy for them. I’m not surprised where we’re at,” Hall said.

After winning the field position battle in the first quarter, the Tigers scored on a 19-yard touchdown pass from senior Nick Burns to junior Zane Henderson. Senior Keegen Weiss then scored untouched on a 13-yard touchdown run to go up 12-0.

Weiss said on that touchdown and all game long, his teammates have made life easier for him as the games go on.

“That’s all credit to my guys up front. They’re opening everything for me,” Weiss said.

Still this season, Ansonia is able to run the ball successfully while teams know it’s coming. Hall said it’s the team buying into the offensive system and doing their part. It’s also from the leaders, like Weiss, who show up to those offseason workouts even when they have other sports or commitments going on to better the team.

St. Henry did score on a 50-yard flea flicker, but Ansonia responded with a touchdown run by senior Ethan Reichert. Reichert also stepped up defensively with senior Garrett Stammen out for the rest of the season. He had a few sacks in this game and consistently pressured the quarterback.

The Redskins scored a one-yard touchdown with 45 second left. The Tigers recovered the onside kick to seal the victory. Burns said a win like this showed what this team is capable of.

“Everybody thinks we can’t beat a MAC team. This just goes to show we can do it. We can beat a MAC team,” Burns said.

Ansonia will play Marion Local at 7 p.m. on Nov. 17 back at Alexander Stadium.

A full game recap can be found on our website, dailyadvocate.com

Division VI, Region 24: 5 Tri-Village 51 vs 8 Anna 56

The Patriots end their season with the loss to Anna at Lima Senior. Tri-Village got into a 22-3 hole early in the game. They crawled out to take a 23-22 lead early in the third quarter. But, the Rockets scored the next two touchdowns to take control of the game.

Head coach Matt Hopkins said he feels the program is on the right path after finishing another season in the Regional Semifinals.

“I thought we had a great season. We feel very fortunate that we had three straight 11-2 seasons where we have advanced to the Regional Semifinals. As a program, we feel we are on the right track and look forward to taking the next step and playing for a regional championship,” Hopkins said.

Senior Reed Wehr had four touchdowns in the game, including another kick return touchdown. Senior Braden Keating had two rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown to senior Tanner Printz.

The team will graduate seven seniors from this year’s 11-2 team. Players like Wehr, Printz and Keating will leave with their names in the school’s record books. All three seniors have been starters for the team for three years.

“The senior class played a huge part in our success over the last three years. They have played vital roles in some very big program wins. They have left some very big shoes to fill and they will be greatly missed,” Hopkins said.

Division VI, Region 24: 2 Versailles 55 vs 3 Cincinnati Country Day 13

The Tigers are moving on after cruising through the Nighthawks at Xenia. Junior Jace Watren started the scoring early taking the opening kickoff 69 yards for a touchdown.

Head coach Ryan Jones said the kickoff return helped set the tone they wanted to.

“Really proud of the guys. The kickoff return, Jace did a nice job there. It’s something we had been working on throughout the week. The guys did a good job of setting the tone. It’s something we talked about during the week and being physical. That started it off for sure.”

Senior Joel Gehret had five rushing touchdowns in the first half against the Nighthawks. Junior Ross Francis also had a rushing touchdown in the first half.

The Tigers were up 49-7 at halftime and were once again able to get some of the younger players playing time during the postseason. Players like senior Erick Grow, junior Leland Bolin and junior Ben Subler all had interceptions in the second half.

The defense also was able to get a stop on a first and goal situation from the one-yard line. Jones said they talked about the younger guys getting their chance to play in a varsity game at halftime. Jones was thrilled to see them play well in the second half.

“That was really neat to see. That’s what we talked about at halftime. If we get some of the younger guys in there this is your chance, make the most of it. To stop them four straight plays at the one was fantastic. It is something they’ll remember for sure,” Jones said.

The Tigers will take on Anna on Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. at Sidney Memorial Stadium.

A full game recap can be found on our website, dailyadvocate.com

Contact Daily Advocate sports editor Drew Terhall at [email protected]