SOSA Staff Report
Coming into Week 8, most thought Paint Valley and Adena had decent chances of advancing deeper into the OHSAA State Football Playoffs.
Those who thought that way were absolutely correct.
Both the Bearcats and Warriors had little trouble with their opponents. Paint Valley beat Greeneview by a 42-7 final while Adena dismantled Parkway by a 37-0 tally.
In Bainbridge, the game was rather close at halftime.
WATCH: Paint Valley’s win over Greeneview
The Bearcats (6-1) got on the board on the first play of the second quarter when Cavan Cooper scored on a 10-yard rush. Shortly after, Greeneview returned a fumble for a score, tying the score at 7-7.
But with 15 seconds left in the first half, Tramel Byrd scored from 10 yards out to give PV a 13-7 lead at halftime.
While the first half was a closely contested ballgame, the second told a much different story.
Byrd scored from 11 yards out, capping a six-minute drive, to make it a 21-7 tally before Cordell Grubb reached the end zone on a two-yard plunge, pushing the lead to 28-7.
Firmly in control, the Bearcats then tacked on two more scores — thanks to interception return for a touchdown from Cooper and a one-yard run from Dom Chambers to round out the night’s final.
The Bearcats move on to face Mechanicsburg in a Division VI, Region 24 Quarterfinal on Oct. 24.
Meanwhile, Adena continued to steamroll its opponents.
The Warriors had no trouble whatsoever with Rockford Parkway while pitching their third shutout of the season.
“Anytime you get a shutout you’re guaranteed a win,” Adena coach John Penwell said. “If they can’t score, they can’t win.”
Quarterback Preston Sykes finished 5-of-6 passing for 60 yards and a score and added 98 yards rushing and two additional scores. Nate Throckmorton had 15 carries for 158 yards and a touchdown, and Isaac Gray and Logan Bennett also found the end zone … Gray’s coming on a pick-six and Bennett’s coming on a receiving touchdown.
WATCH: Adena’s win over Rockford Parkway
All in all, like usual, the Warriors’ success came because of a strong rushing attack. The Warriors racked up more than 250 yards rushing.
“That’s a result of our offensive line being so physical up front,” Penwell said. “(The offensive line was) moving the line scrimmage and opening holes up. Then you get Sykes and Throckmorton one-on-one and I’ll take my guys any day.”
Adena will now face Minster in a Division VI, Region 24 Quarterfinal on Oct. 24.