Cedarville Dominates Tiffin

Coming into tonight (Thursday, January 16, 2020), Cedarville University’s (CU) Men’s Basketball Team is on a streak. Currently, the Yellow Jackets is experiencing a Losing Streak of 0-2. For CU, the 2019-2020 College Basketball Season has been very up-and-down. At times, the team has looked really good. On the other hand, times have existed where the team looks bad. The Yellow Jackets possess some very interesting aspects. Thus far (this season), CU has played in 4-Overtime Games. The team’s record in those games is 3-1. Therefore, one issue is very easy to understand. Repeatedly, the Yellow Jackets has been pushed to the limit. In all but one of those cases, the team has arisen victorious. Most recently, the team has had no positive luck. Like I previously-stated, the team is in the midst of a Two-Game Losing Streak. This past Saturday (01/11/2020), the team played its last game. By a 30-Point Margin (86-56), CU was blown out by Walsh University. Of course, do not allow that score to fool you! CU’s Men’s Basketball Team is not as bad as that score would lead you to think. The team’s Overall Season Record currently sits at 8-8. With my own two eyes, I have witnessed CU being a very competitive team. CU’s 4-Overtime Games emphatically prove that point. Tonight, the Tiffin University Dragons presents a brand-new challenge. I am eager to see if CU can get past this latest challenge.

            Tiffin University won the Official Tip-Off. However, the Dragons went on to turn the ball over (19:48). Cedarville’s Offense was unable to score. Tiffin had the ball again. Once again, the Dragons committed a turnover. With 18:49 on the clock, the game’s first points were scored. The Yellow Jackets’ Kollin Van Horn made a 2-Point Basket. Nine seconds later (18:40), Tiffin’s Joshua Williams made 1-Foul Shot. From 18:26 to 16:33, each team committed 2-Turnovers. Cedarville had 1-Block. Cedarville outscored Tiffin 5-0. At the 16:18 mark, the Dragons’ Jairus Stevens made a 2-Point Basket. During the process, he was fouled. After Stevens successfully converted his Free Throw Attempt, Tiffin trailed Cedarville 7-4. At 16:00, a Media Timeout was called.

            Thus far, this game has been of a very defensive nature. As a direct result, both offenses are making multiple mistakes. Scored points are low. Both teams have not been able to attempt the best shots. At 15:32, Cedarville’s Quinton Green made a 2-Point Basket. Along with the assistance from the Yellow Jackets’ 3-Turnovers, Tiffin went on a 7-0 Scoring Run. The Dragons obtained a 2-Point Lead (11-9). From 13:01 to 12:02, each team committed 1-Turnover. Cedarville outscored Tiffin 4-0.  With 11:34 on the clock, a Media Timeout was called. By the score of 13-11, Cedarville leads Tiffin.  The pace of the game has been extremely fast. I just wonder if that is the reason for why so many mistakes and bad shots have taken place. Points are still being scored at a low rate. Shortly after the Media Timeout (11:15), Tiffin’s Defense took the ball away from Cedarville. That play led to Trent Williams nailing a 3-Point Basket.

            At 10:41, Cedarville’s Branden Maughmer made 2-Foul Shots. From 9:58 to 9:13, Tiffin committed 2-Turnovers. Cedarville committed 1-Turnover. The Yellow Jackets’ Demond Parker had a block too. Before a Media Timeout at 7:50, Tiffin turned the ball over again. Cedarville outscored Tiffin 4-0. Going into the Media Timeout, Cedarville’s lead stands at 19-14. After each team has 1-Block, the Dragons’ Wesley Jordan scored 2-Points. Van Horn countered with 2-Points too. At 6:53, Stevens made 1-Foul Shot. Maughmer came right back with a 2-Point Basket. With a 2-Point basket of his own, Jordan countered Maughmer’s conversion. From 6:08 to 3:29, Cedarville went on a 10-0 Scoring Run. Green scored 5-Points (including a 3-Point Basket). Maughmer hit a 3-Point Basket. Conner TenHove made a 2-Point Basket. With 3:28 remaining in the First Half, a Media Timeout was called. Cedarville leads Tiffin 33-19.

            Points are now beginning to be scored at a normal pace. However, Cedarville has taken control of the game’s momentum. The team has pushed a lead into double-digits. From 3:00 to 1:27, gameplay was messy. Tiffin committed 3-Turnovers. Cedarville had 1-Turnover and 1-Block. During the First Half’s remaining 56.7-Seconds, the Yellow Jackets’ Defense made a steal. The Yellow Jackets outscored the Dragons 4-3. Austin Schaub scored the Dragons’ 3-Points. At the end of the First Half, Cedarville leads Tiffin 37-22. The First Half was very fun to watch. I must admit the following. For the first time ever (while watching a basketball game), I was more interested in the defensive side of play. For most of the First Half, points were not being scored at a regular pace. That issue was caused by strong, defensive play.

            I was so into what mistakes each defense would force the opposing offense to make that I was not bothered by the lack of points being put onto the scoreboard. Although strong defense continued to be played, both offenses started overcoming the obstacle. Eventually, Cedarville took over control of the game. Cedarville’s Offense built a double-digit lead. Going into the Halftime Break, Cedarville’s lead stands at 15-Points (37-22). When the Second Half started, Tiffin had the ball. The Dragons proceeded to outscore the Yellow Jackets 4-2. From 18:44 to 17:23, the Yellow Jackets’ Offense woke up. Led by Quinton Green’s 5-Points, Cedarville went on to outscore Tiffin 9-2. At 17:05, Tiffin turned the ball over. Cedarville was unable to convert Tiffin’s mistake into points. Shortly before a Media Timeout (15:52), Tiffin’s Jairus Stevens made a 2-Point Basket. Tiffin trails Cedarville 48-30. After the Media Timeout, Green personally outscored Tiffin 6-2. Stevens scored his team’s 2-Points.

            At 14:31, Tiffin’s Joshua Williams made a 2-Point Basket. During the conversion, he was fouled. Williams successfully made his 1-Foul Shot. Cedarville went on to outscore Tiffin 4-0. From 12:31 to 11:20, each team committed 1-Turnover. Tiffin outscored Cedarville 4-0. With 11:12 on the clock, a Media Timeout was called. By the score of 58-39, Cedarville leads Tiffin. Before another Media Timeout at 10:03, Cedarville went on a 5-0 Scoring Run. Jacob Drees hit a 3-Point Basket. After the latest Media Timeout, Tiffin’s Trent Williams nailed a 3-Point Basket. From 9:38 to 8:38, scoring went back-and-forth. Cedarville scored 7-Points. Tiffin scored 5-Points. Green scored 5-Points. Thomas Hickman scored Tiffin’s 5-Points. With 7:59 remaining in the game, a Media Timeout was called. Before the game could restart, a 30-Second Timeout was called. Cedarville leads Tiffin 70-47.

            When the game restarted, Williams outscored Cedarville 5-0. An Offensive Turnover assisted Williams. At this point in the game, Tiffin trailed Cedarville by 18-Points (70-52). To the Dragons’ dismay, matters did not get better. In fact, matters got worse. From 6:10 to 4:31, Cedarville outscored Tiffin 6-2. The Dragon’s Defense made a block and steal too. At 4:01, Tiffin was hit with a Technical Foul. For Cedarville, Conner TenHove was chosen to take the Foul Shots. He successfully converted both attempts. At the 3:45 mark, a Media Timeout was called. The Yellow Jackets’ lead now stands at 22-Points (78-56). After the conclusion of the Media Timeout, Cedarville’s Isaiah Speelman made a 2-Point Basket which was sandwiched in-between Tiffin successfully making a total of 3-Foul Shots. At 1:05 and 35.8-Seconds, Cedarville’s Seth Dittmer placed final exclamation points onto the game. On those two occasions, Dittmer made 2-Slam Dunks. With 20.1-Seconds remaining in the game, the final points were scored. Tiffin’s Austin Schaub made a 3-Point Basket. By the Final Score of 86-63, Cedarville ended up winning the game.

           

Cedarville Controls Tiffin

Before every game which I will be covering, I like to be familiar with each competing team. Most of the time, I know something about one of the teams. That is due to one fact. I cover the Home Games of the same teams. Cedarville University’s Women’s Basketball Team is a prime example. I try to cover all of the Lady Yellow Jackets’ Home Games. If I miss any of the team’s Home Games, I still like to be informed of the team’s results. By searching the internet, I check to see how the Lady Yellow Jackets performed in games that I missed, whether those games are Home or Away. In just mere minutes, CU will be stepping onto the Callan Athletic Center (CAC) Basketball Court. Tonight (Thursday, January 16, 2020), the Lady Yellow Jackets will play host to Tiffin University’s Lady Dragons. I must make an admission. Coming into tonight’s game, I am somewhat concerned. I have full confidence in the Lady Yellow Jackets and the team’s abilities. As of late, the team has struggled. That issue concerns me. Since Saturday, December 21, 2019, CU has played four games. The Lady Yellow Jackets has come out of those games with a record of 1-3. Of course, I find comfort in one aspect. In the three losses, the Lady Yellow Jackets has lost by 3-Points; 3-Points; & 2-Points. The team kept the games close. It just has not been able to come out victorious. Instead of being the loser, can CU become the winner? The answer to that question is about to be answered.

            Tiffin won the Official Tip-Off. At 9:37, the Lady Dragons’ Offense missed a 2-Point Basket. As the ball fell short, one of Cedarville’s Defenders appears to have gotten a hand on the ball. With 9:16 on the clock, Cedarville’s Isabelle Bolender scored the game’s first points. She nailed a 3-Point Basket. A short time later (8:35), the Lady Yellow Jackets’ Emily Chapman hit a 3-Point Basket too. Tiffin’s problems went from bad to worse. First, the team committed a Turnover (Shot Clock Violation). As a result, Cedarville’s Chapman nailed another 3-Point Basket. At this point, the Lady Yellow Jackets leads 9-0. From 7:26 to 7:10, the Lady Dragons got on track. Brooke Wesner hit a 3-Point Basket. After the Lady Dragons’ Defense obtained a steal, Aarion Nichols went on to pick up 2-Points. At the 6:04 mark, Cedarville’s Allison Mader ended Tiffin’s 5-0 Scoring Run. Before a Media Timeout (4:52), Tiffin’s Jensen Hiegel made a 2-Point Basket. Cedarville leads Tiffin 12-7. Cedarville started the game SUPER HOT! Before Tiffin got on the scoreboard, Cedarville opened with a 9-0 Lead.

            Coming out of the Media Timeout, Nichols nailed a 3-Point Basket (4:43). Cedarville’s Alli Roh responded with a 2-Point Basket. The teams traded 3-Point Baskets. Hiegel scored the Lady Dragons’ 3-Point Basket. For the Lady Yellow Jackets, Abby Wolford did the same. Wolford did not stop. At 2:10, she made a 2-Point Basket. During the process, she was fouled. After the successful completion of her Foul Shot, Cedarville took a 20-13 lead over Tiffin. From 2:01 to 1:11, Tiffin committed 2-Turnovers. The Lady Yellow Jackets ended the 1^st Quarter’s scoring with a 5-0 Scoring Run. Wolford scored the 5-Points. At the end of the 1^st Quarter, Cedarville leads Tiffin 25-13. With the way Cedarville is playing, Tiffin is lucky to be down by only 12-Points. The Lady Yellow Jackets had chances to open larger leads. However, Tiffin kept on preventing that from happening.

            When the 2^nd Quarter got underway, Cedarville had possession of the ball. The team was unable to score. At 9:27, Tiffin’s Danelle Bradley made a 3-Point Basket. Cedarville went on to turn the ball over. That mistake led to Tiffin’s Jessica Chase nailing a 3-Point Basket. With 8:36 on the clock, the Lady Yellow Jackets scored its first point of the quarter. Lexi Moore made 1-Foul Shot Attempt. At 8:09, the Lady Dragons’ Jada Tate made a 2-Point Basket. From 7:46 to 5:27, Tiffin committed 3-Turnovers. Cedarville had 1-Turnover. Cedarville went on a 6-0 Scoring Run. During the run, Chapman scored 4-Points. At 5:27, a stoppage in play occurred. The Game Officials were reviewing replay footage. Apparently, they were looking for a potential foul. Nothing came out of the process. No foul was called. Cedarville leads Tiffin 32-21.

            Near 4:55, Tiffin’s Defense picked up a steal. The Lady Dragons went on to obtain 1-Point. At the 4:36 mark, a Media Timeout was called. Cedarville leads Tiffin 32-22. Once again, Cedarville has pushed its lead to double-digits. I am interested to see if Tiffin can cut the lead back down to single-digits. From 3:34 to 2:19, the Lady Yellow Jackets lit up the scoreboard. Stevie Johnting nailed a 3-Point Basket. Paige Garr hit two 3-Point Baskets. At 3:06, Tiffin’s Kirsten Williams made 2-Foul Shots. During the time frame, Tiffin’s Offense committed a Turnover (Offensive Foul). Cedarville’s Alli Roh blocked a shot attempt too. With 2:15 remaining in the First Half, a Timeout was called. Cedarville’s lead stands at 41-24. With the use of the 3-Point Basket, Cedarville is brutalizing Tiffin University.

            At the 1:46 mark, Garr made a 2-Point Basket. Tiffin’s Brooke Wesner and Jasmine Watts went on to each score 3-Points. With 15.6-Seconds remaining in the 2^nd Quarter, Cedarville’s Ashlyn Huffman made a 2-Point Basket. At the end of the First Half, Cedarville leads Tiffin 45-30. The First Half was very entertaining. The game started with Cedarville going on a 9-0 Scoring Run. Eventually, Tiffin got onto the scoreboard. Time and time again, Cedarville opened up double-digit leads. Then, Tiffin just kept on cutting those leads down to single-digits. Cedarville could not shake Tiffin loose. Toward the second half of the 2^nd Quarter, Tiffin’s good fortunes ended. Tiffin was unable to reduce Cedarville’s lead to double-digits. At times, it looked like Tiffin would be successful at doing so. The closest which Tiffin was able to cut the lead down to was 10-Points. Cedarville’s use of the 3-Point Basket started to take its toll on Tiffin’s Defense. With the use of the 3-Point Basket, Cedarville brutalized Tiffin. As a result, Cedarville kept its lead at the double-digit level. Going into the Halftime Break, Cedarville has a 15-Point Lead (45-30).

            As the 3^rd Quarter got underway, Tiffin had possession of the ball. At 9:53, Hiegel successfully made 2-Foul Shots. Six seconds later (9:47), Cedarville turned the ball over. Unfortunately, Tiffin was unable to score any points. At 9:08, Cedarville’s Huffman picked up 2-Points. From 8:54 to 8:34, Cedarville turned the ball over once. Tiffin’s Nichols went on a 4-0 Scoring Run. With 8:33 on the clock, a Media Timeout was called. By the score of 47-36, Tiffin trails Cedarville. Once again, Tiffin is getting close to reducing Cedarville’s lead to single-digits. Mistakes are hurting Cedarville’s Offense. Shortly after the Media Timeout (8:15), Cedarville’s Emily Chapman nailed a 3-Point Basket. From 7:56 to 5:01, scoring went back-and-forth. However, Tiffin outscored Cedarville 12-8. At one point, Tiffin went on a 6-0 Scoring Run. Tiffin’s Nichols and Tate led all scorers with 4-Points each. At the 4:55 mark, a Media Timeout was called. Cedarville leads Tiffin 58-48.

            Once again, Tiffin has managed to cut Cedarville’s lead below 10-Points. That did not last long. It lasted 24-Seconds. Then, Cedarville took its lead from 8-Points to 10-Points. Before the Media Timeout, Tate was fouled. After the Media Timeout, she made 2-Foul Shots. The Lady Dragons soon ended up with the ball again. However, the Lady Yellow Jackets took the ball away. With 3:00 remaining in the 3^rd Quarter, Wolford made a 2-Point Basket. During the play, she was fouled. She went on to successfully make her Foul Shot Attempt. Tiffin’s Jasmine Watts responded with a 4-0 Scoring Run. The Lady Dragons picked up a steal too. During the 3^rd Quarter’s final 1:31, Cedarville outscored Tiffin 6-2. Bolender, Garr, and Chapman each scored 2-Points. Kirsten Williams scored her team’s 2-Points. At the end of the 3^rd Quarter, Cedarville leads Tiffin. The score is 67-56.

            With possession of the ball, Cedarville started the 4^th Quarter. Ten seconds into the quarter (9:50), Tiffin stole the ball. The Lady Dragons did not end up scoring. In fact, the Lady Yellow Jackets ended up going on a 6-0 Scoring Run. Tiffin committed an Offensive Foul (Turnover) too. At 7:52, Watts got Tiffin on the scoreboard. She made a 2-Point Basket. With 7:26 remaining in the game, a Timeout was called. Once again, the Game Officials were reviewing replay footage. Cedarville leads Tiffin 73-58.  Before a Media Timeout at 5:50, each team scored 2-Points. After somewhat of a back-and-forth 3^rd Quarter, Cedarville has taken control in the 4^th Quarter. At the 5:16 mark, Hiegel made a 2-Point Basket. From 4:43 to 3:25, Cedarville outscored Tiffin 8-2. Before another Timeout at 2:08, Tiffin outscored Cedarville 4-2. At 2:04, Cedarville turned the ball over. During the final 1:32, Tiffin outscored Cedarville 4-2. For the Lady Dragons, it was a case of too little too late. By the Final Score of 87-72, Cedarville University went on to win the game.

Xenia Community Schools Athletics Are Vital Aspects Of Life

The old saying states that “Sports have a way of bringing people together.” Well, in my case, sports had a hand in saving a life. A year ago, as the 2012 Fall Sports Season was getting underway, my life was going through tough times. I was just coming off the finalization of a very bitter divorce. In a more serious aspect, I was dealing with some serious health issues. Very strong chest pains and tightness were beginning to become a huge part of my everyday life. As a result, I was in and out of Xenia’s Greene Memorial Hospital (GMH). In fact, for the first three weeks of the 2012 Ohio High School Football Season, I was making Friday trips to GMH. My entire health-scare fears got so bad that I did not know if I would survive or not. For such a long time, that impression was fully embedded in my mindset. Due to dealing with my health-related issues, I was unable to attend any 2012 Fall Sports for Xenia High School (XHS) and its parenting system of Xenia Community Schools (XCS). Being that I am a former student of Arrowood Elementary School, Warner Junior High School, and a 1995 Xenia High School Graduate, that meant I had to take a year away from my lifelong, educational home. I had to be away from the very things which have had such profound & positive effects upon my life for a very long time.

            For so many years, XHS Sports have been such a huge part of my life. After God, my family, my girlfriend, my close friends & loved ones, XHS Sports are next. I did not play any sports in high school. In fact, I have not played any organized sports since I was in the 5^th Grade. During that particular school year, I played football for Arrowood Elementary School. Although I have no long history of playing sports in grade school, I still harbor a strong connection to XHS Sports. Over the years, as much as possible, I have always attended various XHS sports games. At football, basketball, soccer games, etc., I was always very visible in the crowd. In the past, I was a Community Correspondent/Sports Columnist & Writer for another local, news publication. Due to my prior work with that news publication, I had to attend sporting events in Greene County, Ohio. However, even if I was not required to attend games, I still would have been in attendance. On many occasions, while attending XHS sporting events, I get asked some strange questions.

            Whether I talk to people in-person anywhere and/or on the telephone, I get asked the following questions. Do you have a child or another relative playing? When I tell them NO, I then get asked the following offensive question. Why are you here? It absolutely makes no sense whatsoever that I have to give an explanation for such a question. First and foremost, I am a “Sports Fan” period! I truly admire such sports as football, basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Other sports garner my admiration & attention. However, the ones I listed above are ones I pay the closest attention to. I focus upon them like no other. Another reason I spend so much time at XHS sporting events is simply this. XHS will forever be my family. XHS athletes are like my brothers and sisters. As with most families, you are going to be supportive of your family members.

            Going to the facilities of XHS Athletics is like going to my second home. From the moment I park my car until the moment I actually walk into the facilities, my entire mindset is taken over by a complete feeling of excitement. Once I take a seat, I know that I am about to see something special take place. Win or lose, the athletes of XHS are always going to try their very best. No matter what the circumstances may be, XHS athletes will never give up. Part of that dedication & determination is a result of the support that the athletes receive. That support comes from the XHS Buccaneers’ “Fan Base.” Without any shadow of a doubt, XHS has one of the greatest fan bases around. Throughout the years, I have attended many high school and college sporting events. I have not witnessed many fanbases like the one which XHS possesses. Fans such as Keith Hahn, Todd Morris, and Steve Fyffe are the perfect examples of the common XHS Fan. Those three are normally present at every home basketball and football game. On many occasions, they will travel out of town to support their beloved Buccaneers. From the very beginning to the very end of all attended games, Hahn, Morris, and Fyffe make their presence known. Whether they are sitting and/or standing, they are loudly expressing their support for their beloved Buccaneers. Even when it is quite obvious that a game will not go the Buccaneers’ way, the three “Super Fans” still refuse to calm down. Their passion is quite exuberant. Sitting with them, at any game, can be a very enjoyable & interesting experience.

            The XHS Marching Band and the XHS Football Cheerleading Team are two extremely vital parts of the entire “XHS Football Game Experience.” They are just as important as the fans and the football team itself. Before the games, during halftime, and after the games, both entities have one unique purpose. They have to continuously keep the spirits up of not only the football team but the fans as well. At times, that can be a very difficult task to handle and accomplish, especially after a loss. While the Buccaneers are losing (during the course of a game), the sounds emanating from both the band and the cheerleaders can be utilized as powerful tools. The spirits of the football team and its fans can sometimes be in a gloomy mood. Their mindsets are not clear and focused. However, when the band and the cheerleaders start revving up, a sense of liveliness overcomes everyone. As a result, everyone becomes quite energized. Their attention spans and emotions turn toward a positive nature. This type of behavior can sometimes help bad situations turn good for the football team. Assistance from the band, cheerleaders, and the fans can go very far. On many occasions, that assistance can will the team to victory. Win or lose, at the end of any game, the band and the cheerleaders make sure that the entire Buccaneers Family all go home in a comfortable and upbeat mood.

            I commonly like to refer to the fans of Xenia High School Sports and other Xenia Community Schools Sports Programs as being the “Xenia Community Universe.” The name might not be catchy. Some people would even classify the name as being “Quite Generic.” However, everyone can agree on one very special fact. The citizens of the City of Xenia and other local communities thoroughly support all athletic activities presented by XCS. Any single day, evening, and/or night when games are taking place, just take a trip to any stadium, field, and/or gymnasium. What will you see? You will see home crowds filled to capacity or near capacity. You will see game attendees fully engaged with whatever athletic contest is taking place. Area residents truly care about XCS and its various sports programs. The overall admiration & respect for all athletes is unwavering, and it is strongly exemplified. Area citizens are busy individuals. They constantly have things going on in their lives that need to be dealt with. However, I am truly proud of them for one aspect. No matter how busy and/or hectic their daily lives get, local citizens always make time for XCS Athletics. That type of positive atmosphere is not present in every community. However, within the local Xenia-area, it is forever present and quite prominent. As a whole, that aspect is something that we should all be proud of to possess. Whenever possible, we should always talk about it to other outside communities.

           

Xenia Loses Close Game To Centerville

            The last time which I had witnessed the young men of Xenia High School (XHS) participate in a sport was back on Friday, October 30, 2015. On that very night inside of Fairborn, Ohio’s Fairborn Memorial Stadium, the Buccaneers soundly defeated The Fairborn High School (FHS) Skyhawks 52-7. That was a “Football Game.” After that game, it was one, big-time celebration. If I had not known any better, I would have been under the impression that XHS had just won some sort of championship. The Buccaneers’ players celebrated (on the sideline). Friends congratulated the players. Parents hugged their sons. Pictures were taken. One might ask, why was the celebration so big for a Season-ending, Regular Season Football Game? Allow me to explain. First, XHS had just defeated an archrival (FHS). Next, Buccaneers Nation was celebrating the careers of a group of players. A very accomplished group of XHS Buccaneers had just played their final High School Football Game. Now, fast forward to tonight (Saturday, December 12, 2015). Currently, I am sitting inside of XHS’s Blue Pit Gymnasium. In mere minutes, the Buccaneers will be facing The Centerville High School (CHS) Elks. However, this will not be a football game. Instead, a “Basketball Game” is about to commence.

            Xenia won the game’s tip-off. At 7:38, Danny Naylor nailed a 3-Point Basket. Soon enough, Centerville’s Keegan Saben found himself at the Free Throw Line. He went on to successfully make 2-Foul Shots (7:19).  After the Buccaneers turn the ball over, the Elks’ Jevon Henderson made a 2-Point Basket (6:59). From 6:34 to 6:18, CHS commits 1-Turnover. XHS’s Rocky James went on a 4-0 Scoring Run. The Elks countered with a 5-0 run. Kevin Meiners hit a 3-Point Basket. During the run, XHS committed a Turnover. After the Buccaneers committed another Turnover, CHS’s Saben goes on a 4-0 run. The Elks committed an Offensive Foul. However, that violation did not hurt the team. From 2:42 to 1:08, CHS committed 2-Turnovers. XHS committed 1-Turnover. The Elks outscored the Buccaneers 3-2. Alec Grandin made a 3-Point Basket.

            With 39.2 Seconds remaining in the 1^st Quarter, Centerville nailed a 3-Point Basket. After Rocky James picks up 2-Points, Saben picks up 2-Points too. At the end of the 1^st Quarter, Centerville leads Xenia 21-11. As the 2^nd Quarter got underway, Centerville had the ball. At 7:31, Saben makes a 2-Point Basket. With 6:37 on the clock, Xenia’s Ray James makes a 2-Point Basket. Before a Timeout at 4:24, XHS outscores CHS 5-4. Grandin is responsible for the Elks’ 4-Points. The Elks lead the Buccaneers 27-18. Twenty-five seconds after the Timeout (3:59), the Buccaneers’ Samari Curtis made 2-Foul Shots. After CHS turns the ball over, Rocky James makes a 2-Point Basket. During the play, he was fouled. After he successfully makes 1-Foul Shot, XHS trailed CHS by 4-Points (27-23). Twenty seconds later (3:21), the Elks’ Donnie Shelton makes a 2-Point Basket. Although he was fouled too, Shelton was unable to make his 1-Foul Shot.

            At the 3:11 mark, Naylor makes a 2-Point Basket. Saben goes on to make a Foul Shot. Before a Timeout (39.7 Seconds), Xenia commits 2-Turnovers. Centerville had 1-Turnover. Saben makes 2-Foul Shots too (1:44). With 2.1 Seconds remaining in the 2^nd Quarter, Saben makes a 2-Point Basket. At the end of the 2^nd Quarter and First Half, CHS leads XHS 34-25. Centerville has the Height and Power Advantage. Xenia has the Speed Advantage. However, Centerville has taken the speed advantage away from the Buccaneers. Centerville has been running Xenia up-and-down the court (at a very fast pace). Also, the 3-Point Basket has been a VERY DANGEROUS WEAPON (for Centerville). The use of it has created some separation from Xenia. The Elks do a great job of shooting away from the basket. Either 3-Point Basket Shot Attempts will be taken, or 2-Point Shots will be taken.

            Now, Centerville has done a very good job of going to the basket (for Shot Attempts). Simply put, the Elks are finding all kinds of different ways to score and confuse the Buccaneers. After the Halftime Break ended, Xenia had possession of the ball. At 7:49, Ryan Johnson nailed a 3-Point Basket. Each team went on to commit 1-Turnover. With 7:14 on the scoreboard, Henderson makes a 2-Point Basket. At the 6:19 mark, Ray James picks up 2-Points. After Centerville turns the ball over, Naylor was at the basket. As he went up for a Shot Attempt, his shot was blocked. At 5:12, Saben makes a 2-Point Basket. Naylor soon blocked a shot himself. The Buccaneers end up stealing the ball away. With 4:22 remaining in the 3^rd Quarter, Johnson makes a 2-Point Basket. With the clock saying 3:35, the Elks’ Adam Velasco nailed a 3-Point Basket. Then, teammate Saben makes a 2-Point Basket. A Timeout is called (2:52). The Elks lead the Buccaneers 43-32.

            After the Timeout, Naylor makes a 2-Point Basket (2:45). During the play, he was fouled. He was hurt too. Naylor had to leave the game. Garett Salyers came into the game, and he takes Naylor’s 1-Foul Shot. Salyers successfully makes the Foul Shot. From 2:39 to 1:20, Centerville commits 3-Turnovers. Xenia committed 1-Turnover. The Elks’ Daniel Buchenroth nailed a 3-Point Basket (2:16). At the end of the 3^rd Quarter, Centerville possesses an 11-Point Lead (46-35). At 7:27 of the 4^th Quarter, Centerville picks up 2-Points. Xenia responds with a 4-0 run. With 5:14 on the clock, the Elks’ Patrick Smith makes a 2-Point Basket. CHS goes on to turn over the ball. Then, Naylor obtains 2-Points (4:42).

            With 4:09 remaining in the game, Buchenroth makes 2-Foul Shots. At 4:01, Rocky James makes 1-Foul Shot. At 4:00, Ryan Johnson makes 1-Foul Shot. Before a Full Timeout at 2:34, each team obtains a Steal. Also, Xenia’s Defense made a good play. As one of Centerville’s players went up for a Shot Attempt, the Buccaneers blocked the shot. From 2:30 to 1:58, the Elks commit 2-Turnovers. The Buccaneers had 1-Turnover. Johnson makes a 2-Point Basket.  At 1:49, Saben makes 2-Foul Shots. Eleven seconds later (1:38), Ray James makes a 2-Point Basket. With 1:37 remaining in the game, a Timeout was called. At the 1:28 mark, Johnson makes a 2-Point Basket. With 1:27 on the clock, a Timeout is called. With 1:15 on the scoreboard, a Timeout is called.

            At 1:14, Saben is fouled. He steps to the Free Throw Line. Both of Saben’s Foul Shots were good. With 53.0 Seconds remaining in the game, Xenia stole the ball away. At the 49.8 Seconds mark, the Buccaneers’ Samari Curtis makes a 2-Point Basket. During the play, he was fouled. He goes on to successfully make 1-Foul Shot. With 24.6 Seconds on the clock, Saben is fouled. He makes his 2-Foul Shots. With 17.7 Seconds on the scoreboard, Johnson picked up 2-Points. The game’s final point was scored at 9.9 Seconds. The Elks’ Kevin Meiners makes 1-Foul Shot. At the end of the game, Centerville defeats Xenia 59-54. The Buccaneers did everything they could to try for the win. However, they were never able to overcome the Elks’ lead. Every time Xenia got close and looked like it would overcome Centerville, the Elks made a big play. As a result, Centerville would stay ahead.

           

The Buccaneers Ended The Season On A Winning Note

Week 10 of The 2013 Ohio High School Football Season has finally arrived. For The Xenia High School (XHS) Buccaneers, this is the end. After tonight, there will be no more football left to play. The Buccaneers will not be going to the playoffs. Therefore, tonight is their unofficial playoff game. In fact, you could look at the situation this way. Tonight’s final game is the Buccaneers’ Unofficial Ohio Division 2 State High School Football Championship Game. Whatever the Buccaneers want to showcase must be displayed tonight. As the famous, old phrase goes, “Everything must be left out on the field.” This is the last time which the Buccaneers have the opportunity to make a final impression on the season. Ending any season on a positive note is always a top priority for any sports team. Therefore, the Buccaneers have one, final opportunity to correct all of the various issues which have plagued their 2013 Season. Regardless of whether or not they win or lose, after the final seconds of tonight’s game rundown on the game clock, the Buccaneers will be expected to move on. Before you know it, the 2014 Season will be upon us. A new season will bring about a completely different & new atmosphere, consisting of such aspects as new players, new schemes, new situations, new problems, etc. The players & coaches will all be a year older. However, if you really think about it, can a season-ending loss be quickly erased from the Buccaneers’ mindsets? For the Graduating Seniors, that may very well be the case. However, for the returning players, that might be a very difficult & impossible feat to accomplish.

            This is my very first time being here inside of Fairborn High School’s Fairborn Memorial Stadium. Originally, I was not set to attend this season-ending Xenia High School (XHS) Buccaneers vs. Fairborn High School (FHS) Skyhawks Game. However, I figured that since this is the final week of the season, I would check out the Buccaneers one last time. Being that I had never traveled to this particular stadium before, I did not know how to get here. Just like many people out there, I had to utilize MapQuest to find the location. When I told some of my friends about having to do that, I received some friendly ribbing. Yes, I do live in nearby Xenia. However, that does not mean I know how to get to every location within the immediate vicinity. I easily found my way to the stadium. Once I parked my car and got out, I did not expect what I would see next. As I got through the gates of the stadium, I quickly noticed a muddy (with gravel or some other material) track that surrounds the football field. In order to get to the visitor’s side of the field, spectators have to walk across this track. I was not happy about that whatsoever. When I finally got to the bleachers, I was even more shocked. The visitor’s side bleachers (at Fairborn Memorial Stadium) are wooden!!!!! In this day and age, what school still uses wooden bleachers? Although some still do, it is not right. No institution should be using them!

            The Buccaneers were the first team to start on offense. Their offensive set immediately paid off quick dividends. One issue that I truly liked about how the Buccaneers started the game dealt with “Player Involvement.” On their game-opening drive, Xenia did something which I had not witnessed much of all season long. They started out a game by getting multiple players involved on a drive. As a result, the drive presented very positive results. Its ending outcome is exactly what all of the Buccaneers’ fans wanted to see. Xenia started out the game by being on their own 40-Yard Line. Xenia’s Quarterback Danny Naylor got things started by completing a 9-Yard pass to Buccaneers’ Running Back Khalil Capers. After that play, the Buccaneers continued to further push the ball down the field. The very next play was a 16-Yard run by Buccaneers’ Running Back Bobo Jones. Then, Naylor got into the rushing act with a 9-Yard run of his own. After a short-yardage run by Capers, Buccaneers’ Running Back Avondre Jackson took over. First, he caught a 6-Yard pass from Naylor. Then, he had an 8-Yard run to the Skyhawks’ 6-Yard Line. Finally, at 8:56, he ended the drive by running the ball into the end zone for a 6-Yard Touchdown. Buccaneers’ Kicker Kole Patterson kicked the extra point. Xenia took a quick 7-0 lead.

            After a long kickoff return, Fairborn’s Offense started the game on Xenia’s 40-Yard Line. However, the drive did not last long whatsoever. On the very first play from scrimmage, Skyhawks’ Quarterback Aron Childers threw a pass deep into the Buccaneers’ territory. That was a huge mistake. At 8:38, Capers intercepted that pass on his team’s own 10-Yard Line. The Buccaneers opened up its second, offensive drive with a 15-Yard completed pass from Naylor to Wide Receiver Rocky James. For the next three plays, the Buccaneers went back to the running game. However, a Holding Penalty against the Buccaneers negated one of those three rushing plays. At 6:22 of the 1^ST Quarter, Xenia avoided what very well could have been a costly mistake. Naylor completed a pass to Wide Receiver Khiyani Harris. On the play, Harris fumbled the ball. Luckily for the Buccaneers, they recovered the fumble. At 4:57, Jackson made a spectacular-looking rushing play. On the play, multiple Skyhawks’ Defenders could not bring him down. Jackson even lost his helmet, but he kept right on running. The Buccaneers’ next, big-play took place at 3:54. On 3^RD Down and 11 from the Skyhawks’ 38-Yard Line, Naylor completed a 28-Yard pass to Harris. The play put Xenia on Fairborn’s 10-Yard Line. At 2:31, Naylor through a pass to Harris in the end zone. Unfortunately, Harris was unable to hold onto the ball. Much like all season long, the Buccaneers’ “Red Zone Deficiencies” once again were an issue. They had to end up settling for a Field Goal Attempt by Patterson. After the kick was completed, Xenia took a 10-0 lead.

            Fairborn closed out the 1^ST Quarter with an offensive drive that was not successful. As the 2^ND Quarter began, the Skyhawks were faced with a 4^TH Down and 7 on the Buccaneers’ 42-Yard Line. Instead of punting the ball, Fairborn’s Offense stayed on the field. Childers took the snap from center, and he kept the ball. Unfortunately, his rushing play did not obtain a 1^ST Down. As a result, the Skyhawks turned the ball over on downs. Xenia’s first three offensive plays were a rushing play, a pass completion, and another rushing play. Due to another Holding Penalty committed by the Buccaneers’ Offense, the third play was negated. However, that penalty did not prevent the Buccaneers from obtaining any success. On the very next play, Naylor completed a 16-Yard pass to Jones. After a rush by Capers, the Buccaneers were faced with a 3^RD Down and 10 on the Skyhawks’ 36-Yard Line. At 9:55, Naylor and Harris made a huge play. Naylor completed a 36-Yard Touchdown Pass to Harris. Fairborn’s Tony Morris blocked Sabrina Gregory’s Extra Point Kick Attempt. However, Xenia still led the game 16-0.

            At 7:44, the Skyhawks’ Offense made another gigantic mistake. On the snap from center, the Skyhawks fumbled the ball. The ball was recovered by the Buccaneers’ Defense. On the very next play, the Buccaneers almost gave the ball right back. Naylor attempted a pass to Capers. The pass attempt was incomplete. However, the pass was almost intercepted by the Skyhawks’ Defense. Xenia’s Offense was unable to get anything positive going. At 6:38, Xenia was faced with a 4^TH Down and 2 on Fairborn’s 37-Yard Line. Instead of punting the ball away, the Buccaneers’ Offense stayed on the field. Unfortunately, Naylor’s pass attempt to Harris was incomplete. Therefore, the Buccaneers turned the ball over on downs. Once again, the Skyhawks were unable to gain any offensive momentum. They ended up having to punt the ball. Just like the Skyhawks had done, the Buccaneers were unable to garner any offensive momentum. At 2:37, the Buccaneers were faced with a 4^TH Down and 16 on their own 37-Yard Line. Patterson had the snapped ball go high over his head. Fortunately, the Buccaneers did not allow the Skyhawks to recover the botched snap. While that was some good news for Xenia, the Buccaneers had to deal with a very harsh reality. Before the drive ended, Naylor was injured. Jason Wisecup took over the Buccaneers’ starting quarterback role. Naylor ended up coming back into the game.

            For Fairborn, the mistakes continued to pile up. At 1:46, the Skyhawks were faced with a 3^RD Down and Goal on Xenia’s 10-Yard Line. Childers kept the ball, and he proceeded to make a rush. Unfortunately, on the play, he fumbled the ball. The Buccaneers’ Defense recovered Childers’ fumble. The Buccaneers’ Offensive Play Selection is what truly puzzled me next. Instead of having Naylor take knees to end the first half, the Buccaneers decided to continue playing.  That ended up being a major mistake. Naylor was passing the ball. He completed two passes, and he had one incompletion. With 41.0 Seconds left to go in the first half, the Buccaneers were faced with a 4^TH Down and 6 on their own 16-Yard Line. Patterson’s punt was blocked. The end result was a 1^ST Down and Goal on the Buccaneers’ 3-Yard Line (for the Skyhawks). With 36.0 Seconds left to go, Fairborn’s Quarterback Brent Grody took the ball into the end zone for a 3-Yard Touchdown Run. The Extra Point Kick Attempt was good. Fairborn now trailed Xenia 16-7.

            Fairborn started the 3^RD Quarter (and the 2^ND Half) on offense first. However, they were unable to make any positive, halftime adjustments. They came out of the locker room flat. On 4^TH Down, the Skyhawks were forced to punt the ball. Once Xenia’s Offense received the ball back, they made Fairborn pay. Naylor did not return to the game. The Buccaneers’ Offense set up shop on their own 35-Yard Line. They proceeded to rush the ball all the way down the field into the Skyhawks’ Red Zone. Until 4^TH Down, the Buccaneers never once passed the ball (on the drive). On 4^TH Down, the Buccaneers were positioned on the Skyhawks’ 9-Yard Line. At 7:15, Wisecup completed a touchdown pass to Jones. After Patterson’s Extra Point Kick was completed, Xenia took a 23-7 lead. On the ensuing drive, Fairborn’s Offense was unable to get anything going. Once again, the Skyhawks were forced to punt the ball. Xenia’s Offense did no better than what Fairborn’s Offense had just done. Although their passing and rushing picked up multiple first downs, the Buccaneers’ Offensive Drive was littered with two key mistakes. One of those mistakes was very detrimental. At 1:59, Wisecup threw an interception to Fairborn’s Defensive Back Aron Childers. Once again, offensively, the Skyhawks failed to get anything going. On 4^TH Down, Grody’s pass attempt was incomplete. The Skyhawks turned the ball over on downs.

            A rush by the Buccaneers’ Jackson ended the game’s 3^RD Quarter of play. After the 4^TH Quarter began, the Buccaneers’ Offense continued to sputter. First, Xenia committed another Holding Penalty. Then, the Buccaneers faced a 3^RD Down and 12 on their own 38-Yard Line. At 9:17, Wisecup threw a second interception. For the rest of the game, he would not attempt another pass. Fairborn quickly capitalized off of Wisecup’s mistake. At 8:50, the Skyhawks faced a 1^ST Down and Goal on the Buccaneers’ 8-Yard Line. Childers rushed the ball into the end zone for the 8-Yard Score. The Extra Point Kick Attempt was good. Now, Fairborn only trailed Xenia 23-14. With a score of their own, the Buccaneers answered the Skyhawks’ score. The Buccaneers faced a 2^ND Down and 11 on the Skyhawks’ 44-Yard Line. At 5:24, Jones rushed all the way to the end zone for a touchdown. Gregory’s Extra Point Kick put Xenia up 30-14. That score was the final dagger into the hearts of the Skyhawks. Neither team would score again. Xenia would go on to win the game 30-14.

Xenia's Final Home Game Was A Loss

            For some, the night of Friday, October 25, 2013, will forever remain a very special night. Tonight is Senior Night. For several Xenia High School (XHS) Buccaneers’ Football Players, this will be the final time in which they play a football game for XHS. For some, this will be the final organized, football game that they will ever play for the rest of their lives. While some of them will go on to play football at the collegiate level, others will not. Those who do not play college football will either move on to another college sport, enroll in the military, get married, go to college and play no sports, etc. There are many avenues which their lives will take. However, one issue is quite certain. All of the hard work over the years has culminated into this very night. After tonight, no more will the Seniors put on a Buccaneers’ uniform, and perform before the Xenia Community Schools’ Nation. Throughout the past four years, each of the seniors has his/her own unique story to tell. Up until tonight’s game, the Senior Football Players will have had nineteen, previous opportunities to take the field at Cox Stadium. Of course, I fully realize that they may have not played in all nineteen home games. Regardless of the number of games played, these Seniors have all had different, various experiences on the grass of Veterans Field. No matter if the experiences were good or bad, each game has its place in the hearts & minds of each individual Senior. How one player feels about a game can be vastly different than how another player feels. There is nothing wrong with those types of scenarios taking place.

            Before the game officially started, the Senior Football Players, Cheerleaders, Band Members and their respective families were introduced to the crowd of spectators. They all walked from the Visitor’s sideline to the Home’s sideline. For the families, this occurrence had to be both a proud and sad process. Please do not misunderstand me. I am not trying to say that anything bad has taken place. Nothing bad has taken place. What I am saying is simply this. For years throughout elementary school, middle school, and high school, these families have had to sacrifice so much blood, sweat, and tears. So much time has had to be sacrificed as well. In order to mold the Senior Football Players into the athletes which each has become, the families (especially the parents or guardians) have played a major role. Some people would disagree with me saying that. Those same people would say that type of role is solely reserved for coaches. I wholeheartedly disagree with that way of thinking. While I completely understand that coaches play vital roles in the development of any athlete, I also understand the following. Coaches only spend so much limited time with athletes. Families spend most of any athlete’s breathing existence with that athlete. Coaches are in an athlete’s life for a limited period of time. Family members will forever be in an athlete’s life.

            XHS was the first team to start on offense. For some unknown reason, Buccaneers’ Starting Quarterback Danny Naylor did not start the game. Instead, the Buccaneers went with Junior Quarterback Joey Anderson as the starter. Naylor would later come into the game. On its first offensive drive, the Buccaneers were not able to get much going. After a couple of rushing plays and pass completion, XHS’s Punter Kole Patterson was forced to punt on 4^TH Down. After the Springboro High School (SHS) Panthers took over, their offense was pretty much limited as well.  However, from the start, one issue was quite evident. The Panthers were going to mix up their play selection. Their rushing plays went for limited yardage gains. Panthers’ Starting Quarterback Elijah Cunningham did complete a pass for a 1^ST Down. However, his other pass attempt was incomplete. Springboro’s opening, offensive drive only consisted of the Panthers moving the ball a total of 14-Yards. This drive was a great way for Xenia’s Defense to begin the game. It was a huge confidence booster. On 4^TH Down, DL Knock was forced to punt.

            On the Buccaneers’ next offensive drive, the Panthers’ Defense came up big once again. For the second consecutive drive, Xenia’s Offense went 3 plays-and-out. On 4^TH Down, Patterson was forced to punt again. After getting the ball back, Springboro’s Offense was able to get things going in a positive direction. On 1^ST Down, Panthers’ Running Back Joe Kylin immediately got the offense rolling. Kylin quickly dashed down the field for a 19-Yard rushing gain. After another rushing play, Cunningham began to heat up. He was able to complete two first-down passes. However, the second completion was hampered by a penalty against the Panthers. That penalty did not deter Cunningham and/or the Panthers’ Offense. The offense immediately rushed the ball three straight times. Another penalty interfered with the drive. The Panthers were called for a Holding Penalty. Once again, the Panthers did not allow a penalty to negate the successful movement of its offensive drive. A Cunningham pass completion to Knock gave Springboro a 1^ST Down and 10 on Xenia’s 15-Yard Line. With 1:00 to go in the 1^ST Quarter, Cunningham completed another 1^ST Down pass to Knock. With 25.2 seconds remaining and a 2^ND Down and Goal on the Buccaneers’ 1-Yard Line, Cunningham ran the ball into the end zone for a touchdown. Charlie Kuhbander’s Extra Point Kick was blocked. The Panthers led the Buccaneers 6-0.

            At this point, Naylor checked into the game for the Buccaneers. He ended the 1^ST Quarter with a pass completion to Buccaneers’ Wide Receiver Khiyani Harris. The completion went for a first down. On this drive, two penalties committed by the Panthers along with a long rush by Buccaneers’ Running Back Khalil Capers allowed Xenia’s Offense to move the ball deep into Springboro’s territory. After a short-yardage rush by Buccaneers’ Running Back Ray James, Naylor attempted two passes. One of the passes went into the end zone to Harris. However, both pass attempts were incomplete. At 10:38 of the 2^ND Quarter, the Buccaneers had to settle for a Patterson Field Goal. Once the attempt was good, Xenia trailed Springboro 6-3. On this drive, the Buccaneers’ season-long “Red Zone Troubles” continued. Time after time throughout the season, Xenia has put the ball into their opponent’s red zone. On most occasions, the Buccaneers have struggled to get the ball into the end zone. They have either had to settle for field goal attempts or no points at all. On some occasions, the field goal attempts were no good. After a long kickoff return, the Panthers had a 1^ST Down and 10 on their own 47-Yard Line. On this drive, Cunningham started to take control of the game. His rushing & passing ability took Springboro’s Offense deep into the red zone. At 6:24, on 3^RD Down and Goal from Xenia’s 6-Yard Line, Cunningham completed a touchdown pass to Panthers’ Wide Receiver Patrick O’Gara. After the Extra Point Kick was completed, Springboro now led Xenia 13-3.

            The Buccaneers’ Offense did not respond well to the Panthers’ score. Once again, Xenia committed another 3 plays-and-out. Springboro’s Defense was completely stifling the Buccaneers’ Offense. The Buccaneers’ Offensive Deficiencies were becoming a problem, and the Panthers made them pay. The Panthers immediately went to the ground game. Then, Cunningham’s arm once again took over. He completed one pass. Then, he had an incomplete pass. After the incomplete pass, Cunningham then completed three, straight passes. The third and final pass completion took place with 2:12 remaining in the 2^ND Quarter. It was a 36-Yard Pass Completion to Panthers’ Tight End Jordan Rigg for a touchdown. Kuhbander’s Extra Point Kick Attempt was good. The Panthers now led the Buccaneers 20-3. The Buccaneers’ next offensive drive was completely horrendous. Springboro’s Defense completely dismantled Xenia’s Offense. Due to rushing plays for negative yardage and an Illegal Procedure Penalty against Xenia, the Buccaneers were left with a 4^TH Down and 29 on their own 1-Yard Line.  They were forced to punt the ball. After a short time period of possession for the Panthers’ Offense, the Buccaneers’ Offense received the ball again. However, they were unable to get any momentum going. The game’s 1^ST Half ended.

            After halftime, Springboro started out the 3^RD Quarter with a long kickoff return. The Panthers’ Offense started at Midfield (50-Yard Line). Their rushing attack took them to Xenia’s 25-Yard Line. The Panthers were then faced with a 4^TH Down and 6. Instead of attempting a field goal, the Panthers’ Offense stayed on the field. That decision paid off dividends. At 9:49, Cunningham completed a touchdown pass to Knock. The play was spectacular. Knock caught a beautiful-looking over-the-head pass. Kuhbander’s completed Extra Point Kick put the Panthers up 27-3. On the ensuing drive, the Buccaneers’ Offense finally responded well to a Panthers’ score. The Buccaneers’ Offense began on their own 14-Yard Line. Behind the rushing ability of Running Back Avondre Jackson and a key 4^TH Down Pass Completion by Naylor to Harris, the Buccaneers’ Offense drove the ball all the way down the field. At 5:46, the Buccaneers were faced with a 4^TH and Goal on the Panthers’ 1-Yard Line. With a touchdown run, Jackson finished off the 86-Yard Drive. Patterson’s Extra Point Kick was good. The Buccaneers now trailed 27-10. Springboro’s next offensive drive was only a quick two plays. First, Cunningham completed a 59-Yard Pass to Wide Receiver John Luke Arrington. Then, at 5:00, Kylin rushed the ball into the end zone for a 9-Yard Score. Kuhbander’s Extra Point Kick put the Panthers up 34-10. The Buccaneers’ were completely stunned.

            The Buccaneers immediately struck right back. On the first play from scrimmage, Jackson ripped off a 44-Yard Run. Xenia continued to utilize its rushing game. However, it only managed to gain them 5-Yards. At 2:04, the Buccaneers were faced with a 4^TH and 15 on Springboro’s 30-Yard Line. Naylor threw a pass into the end zone. To the Buccaneers’ dismay, the pass was incomplete. On the ensuing drive, Springboro’s Offense was unable to get anything going. On 4^TH Down, the Panthers were forced to punt. In return, Xenia’s next offensive drive went nowhere. Once again on 4^TH Down, they were forced to punt. On the Panther’s next offensive drive, Kylin’s legs took over. The Panthers started the drive on their own 37-Yard Line. Kylin rushed the ball deep into Buccaneers’ territory. At one point, he even had a 29-Yard Run. At 7:01 of the 4^TH Quarter, the Panthers were faced with a 3^RD and 1 on the Buccaneers’ 1-Yard Line. Kylin finished the drive off with a touchdown run. After Kuhbander’s Extra Point Kick was good, the Panthers took a commanding 41-10 lead. The Buccaneers answered right back. Capers returned the ensuing kickoff 80-Yards for a touchdown. Sabrina Gregory’s Extra Point Kick made the score 41 (Springboro) – 17 (Xenia). For Xenia, Capers' score was too little, too late. Springboro would go on to win the game 41-17.

            Although Senior Night was not a success, I still have a message for all of the Buccaneers’ Graduating Seniors (Football Players, Cheerleaders, and Band Members). Thank You So Very Much, For Everything Which You Have Contributed To Both Xenia Community Schools & Xenia High School Over The Past 4 Years. All of your contributions (in and out of the classroom) are very much appreciated. They mean a whole lot to the entire community, and they will never be forgotten. I wish each and every single one of you all the very best of luck in all of your future endeavors.

           

Miamisburg Was Too Much Of A Challenge For The Buccaneers

            The night of Friday, October 11, 2013, was my “Birthday!!!” No offense meant, but I did not intend on spending my evening at a Xenia High School (XHS) Football Game. I had other plans. Those plans did not fall through. Instead, I personally canceled them myself. After much thought and deliberation, I decided to attend the football game. Allow me to be completely honest. I do not have the most exciting personal & social life in the world. Other than working multiple jobs, closely watching professional wrestling, reading, writing, surfing the internet, etc., my two main passions consist of watching sports and writing about them. “Football” is my main focal point of interest. I am such a huge “Football Fan.” I basically eat, live, and breathe the sport of football. Whether the level of football is high school, college, professional, etc., it does not matter. My pure enjoyment and excitement of football can be derived from any level. Even watching Pee Wee Football peaks my interest levels. With all of which I just stated, you can now understand why tonight’s decision was easy to make. Also, you know why I made it. What could be better than spending my birthday watching my beloved alma mater The XHS Buccaneers play a football game? Nothing Is Better!!!!! Therefore, I received the greatest gift which anyone could ever receive.

            Tonight’s game was deemed “Wee Bucs Night.” It is an annual tradition presented by Xenia Community Schools (XCS). During every football season, at one XHS Football Game, XCS’ Wee Bucs Football Teams and Cheerleaders are led onto the football field. Then, they are introduced to the entire crowd in attendance. This night always has to be so special for these young football players and cheerleaders. For the most part, all of these young boys & girls are future XHS Football Players & Cheerleaders. They are the next generation of excellence. Getting to take the field at a high school game has to be very exciting for these children. No, they are not playing an actual game or cheerleading at one. However, for one special moment, the pre-game spotlight is shined upon them. For just a few short minutes, they receive the applause and respect which their much older XHS counterparts receive. Without personally asking any of them, I am quite confident with one aspect. For these young boys & girls, Wee Bucs Night is a night which they will all remember for the rest of their lives. That is how much this night has to mean to them. As an added bonus at this year’s Wee Bucs Night, members of the Warner Middle School Band took the field and performed with the XHS Marching Band. You can only imagine the levels of excitement & nervousness which the middle school students must have felt as well.  After all was said and done, the middle school band members performed quite well.

            The Miamisburg High School (MHS) Vikings were tonight’s opponent for the XHS Buccaneers. Miamisburg was the first team to start on offense. On their very first play from scrimmage, Vikings’ Running Back Chris Young scampered for a 7-Yard gain. Please keep Chris Young’s name in mind. As you proceed to read this entire column, you will understand why. After a penalty and having a running back tackled for a loss, Miamisburg was faced with a 3^RD Down and 13 on their own 30-Yard Line. A Lance Brockman pass was incomplete. On 4^TH Down, the Vikings were forced to punt. On the play, the Vikings avoided what very well could have been a major disaster. As the ball was snapped to the punter, it rolled onto the ground. Before the punter could get his hands on the ball, the roll occurred. Fortunately, for Miamisburg, the punter was able to pick up the ball. Then, he was able to successfully complete the punt. For Xenia’s Defense, this was a good opening drive. The Buccaneers’ Defensive Back Bobo Jones was able to find his way into the Vikings’ backfield, and he made a key tackle for a loss. On the 3^RD Down and 13 play, the Buccaneers prevented a pass from being completed for a 1^ST Down. This opening drive was a great way for the Buccaneers’ Defense to build up some much needed confidence & momentum.

            On Xenia’s first offensive drive, they came out exactly how Miamisburg’s Offense opened up. The Buccaneers went straight to the running game. For two plays, it managed to eat up 5-Yards. On 3^RD Down, XHS’ Quarterback Danny Naylor completed a short pass to Buccaneers’ Running Back Avondre Jackson. However, instantly, the Vikings’ Defense was on Jackson. As a result, he managed to gain only 1-Yard on the play. The Buccaneers had to punt. On Miamisburg’s next offensive drive, they began to take their play to a higher level. Their rushing game started to take over the game. On the drive’s first play from scrimmage, a Vikings’ Running Back completed a long rush downfield for a 23-Yard gain. The Vikings kept on rushing the ball, and their offense was eating up chunks of yardage. Just when you thought the Vikings were going to solely rely on running the ball only, they switched their play selection up. Brockman completed two passes. Each completion resulted in a first down. At 3:41 of the 1^ST Quarter, the Vikings had a 1^ST and Goal on the Buccaneers 6-Yard Line. Young took the ball into the end zone for a touchdown. Young’s score capped off an 80-Yard Drive. After the completion of the extra point, Miamisburg led the game 7-0.

            When the Xenia got the ball back, it was interesting to see how they would respond to Miamisburg’s opening score. The Buccaneers responded by turning toward the passing game. After a rush on the drive’s first play, Naylor went to work through the air. He completed four passes on the drive. However, the combination of a False Start Penalty and a Holding Penalty prevented the Buccaneers’ Offense from obtaining any type of end success. As a result, Xenia had to end up punting the ball. Kole Patterson’s punt was short. Miamisburg’s Special Teams Unit completed a good punt return into Xenia’s territory. After a couple of rushing plays by the Vikings’ Offense, the 1^ST Quarter came to a close. At 11:31 of the 2^ND Quarter, Miamisburg avoided another costly mistake. The Vikings’ Camyrn Snow fumbled a hand-off from the quarterback. However, the Vikings managed to recover the fumble. The Buccaneers almost recovered the fumble. However, once again, the Buccaneers failed to capitalize on a Vikings’ mistake. Miamisburg did not allow the play to interfere with their mental discipline. With much success, they continued to rush the ball downfield. The Vikings’ Offense even managed to get a pass completed for a first down on the drive. At 8:25, the Vikings’ had a 1^ST and Goal on the Buccaneers’ 1-Yard Line. Young took the ball into the end zone for his second touchdown of the night. The Extra Point Attempt was good. Miamisburg now led 14-0.

            For the rest of the 2^ND Quarter, neither team was able to get much going.  At certain points, sacks on each team’s quarterback hampered drives. Penalties committed by the Buccaneers’ Defense got in the way. Those penalties allowed offensive drives by the Vikings to continue. If it were not for those penalties, those drives might have ended in punts, because they did not seem to be going anywhere. At 2:32, Xenia’s Defensive Back Korey Stills performed some great pass coverage on a play. On a long pass play downfield, Stills blanketed an opposing Vikings’ receiver. He knocked the ball down. Therefore, he prevented a gain of significant yardage. At 1:03, all of the Buccaneers’ supporters were left withholding their collective breaths. On an incomplete pass play, Naylor took a hard hit. Luckily, he was not hurt. Naylor was able to get back up on his feet and walk off of the field. The very next play resulted in a punt by the Buccaneers. With 43.3 Seconds remaining in the first half, Xenia’s Defensive Back Khalil Capers made a huge play. Finally, the Buccaneers were able to capitalize on a mistake made by Miamisburg. Capers intercepted one of Brockman’s passes deep in the Buccaneers’ territory. Had Capers not come up with the interception, the Vikings may have been well on their way to scoring again.

            After halftime, Xenia was the first team to start on offense. The Buccaneers immediately went to the rushing game. However, they did not have much success. On the drive, Naylor even completed a pass. However, the receiver was tackled for a 4-Yard Loss. The Buccaneers ended up punting the ball. When Miamisburg got the ball back, they effectively utilized its rushing attack to move the ball downfield. However, Brockman was eventually sacked by Buccaneers’ Defensive Lineman Allex Sanders. That sacked forced the Vikings to punt. After three quick offensive plays, the Buccaneers were forced to punt again. Things got worse for Xenia. Miamisburg’s Offense had a 2^ND Down and 3 on their very own 32-Yard Line. At 4:58, a Vikings’ Running Back fumbled the ball. However, the Vikings’ Offense recovered the fumble. The end result was a 47-Yard return deep into Xenia’s territory. The Vikings now had a 1^ST Down and 10 on the Buccaneers’ 21-Yard Line. On this drive, the Vikings were not going to be denied. Not even an Illegal Shift Penalty was going to stop their offense from reaching the end zone. At 2:34, Young took the ball into the end zone for a 6-Yard Score. The score was Young’s third touchdown of the game. The completed extra point attempt put Miamisburg up 21-0.

            Toward the end of the 3^RD Quarter, Naylor completed a 29-Yard pass to Stills. The Buccaneers ended up with a 1^ST and Goal on the Vikings’ 8-Yard Line. After the 4^TH Quarter started, the Buccaneers were unable to come away with any points on this drive. On 4^TH and Goal from the Vikings’ 6-Yard Line, Naylor threw a pass into the end zone. The pass was incomplete. Also, on the play, the Buccaneers committed a Holding Penalty. The Vikings declined the penalty. At 9:06, the Buccaneers once again had possession of the ball. On the very first play of the drive at 8:57, Naylor made a huge mistake. He threw an interception to Vikings’ Defensive Back Adam Giles. The Vikings capitalized off of Naylor’s costly mistake. They proceeded to drive the ball 76-Yards down the field to the end zone. Along the way, an Unsportsmanlike Conduct Penalty was called against the Buccaneers. At one point, Brockman threw a pass into the end zone for a touchdown. However, an Illegal Block Penalty against the Vikings negated that touchdown. At 5:04, Young took the ball into the end zone for a 13-Yard Score. His rushing touchdown would be the game’s final touchdown scored. After the completion of the extra point, the Vikings took a commanding 28-0 lead. No one would score again. With the final score of Miamisburg 28 and Xenia 0, the game would end.

            While my birthday night ended with a loss by the XHS Buccaneers, I am not mad. Instead, I still feel like I made the correct choice. Going to the game was the only correct move to make. Had the Buccaneers been able to capitalize on the various mistakes committed by the Vikings, the game might have turned out differently. After Miamisburg made a mistake, Xenia just could not make anything positive happen. The Buccaneers were never able to turn the Vikings’ mistakes into points. In fact, the Buccaneers were never able to score at all. The inability to stop the Vikings’ Rushing Game, their very own mistakes, and penalties committed by themselves, etc., are all issues which prevented Xenia from doing anything positive. Believe me, when I say the following. Other factors prevented the Buccaneers from doing anything positive. However, I just listed what I believe were the top three factors. As the end of the season is fast approaching, there are some issues that the Buccaneers continue to struggle with. If those issues can be fixed, then the Buccaneers can still achieve a .500 Season (at 5-5). If not, then the Buccaneers and their fan base will have to suffer through yet another losing season. No one wants that to happen.

XHS Came To Play On Homecoming Night

            For a number of reasons, the night of Friday, September 27, 2013, was an extremely important & pivotal one for The Xenia High School (XHS) Football Team. First & foremost, it was Homecoming Night. So, of course, the Buccaneers wanted to put on a good showing for its home crowd. No one wants to lose on such an important and highly-touted night. Xenia was coming off of a loss to Wayne in the previous week (Week 4). During that game, the Buccaneers were completely dominated from start to finish. However, as always, the Buccaneers refused to give up, and quit. They continued to fight, and they scored some late points. That game was a learning experience. Xenia has not defeated Wayne since 1992. With the right game plan and athletes, Xenia can end that long, losing streak. I just do not know when that time will come. Week 4 is now in the past. This is Week 5. Therefore, it is a brand-new week. Along with a brand-new week, comes a brand-new opponent. So, the Buccaneers had to clear their mindsets of the previous week’s defeat. They had to be ready for a new challenge that the 2013 Season has presented them with. If the Buccaneers did not come into Week 5 adequately prepared, then The Springfield High School (SHS) Wildcats would be a difficult team to deal with. Coming out on top victorious would be an even tougher task for Xenia. Coming into this game, the Wildcats were winless at 0-4. That winless record did not matter. The Buccaneers had to take the Wildcats as a very serious & viable contender. At any time, a team (no matter if they have a bad record or not) can strikeout, and win a game. For the Buccaneers, this is what people term a “Trap Game.”

            Tonight is Homecoming Night. A pre-game, tailgate party was held on the adjoining playground of Cox Elementary School. Plenty of food, games, and other activities were available. Music was blaring at the tailgate party and from inside Cox Stadium. Before the game, pre-game Homecoming Festivities were held. The various student clubs, groups, and student leaders were all introduced. As the names (of the clubs, groups, and student leaders, etc.) were read, every one of them took the field. The 2013 Homecoming Court was next. All of their names and accomplishments were read off to the on-looking spectators. Congratulations, To Both Robert Jordan & Anna Helmig. The two students were XHS’s 2013 Homecoming King & Queen. Jordan and Helmig received a loud, standing ovation from the home crowd. It must be a highly esteemed honor for both students to enjoy with their family members, friends, close loved ones, etc. All students who have ever taken part in any “Homecoming Court” always have the dream of being named king & queen. Of course, on an annual basis, the unique honor is bestowed to only two, well-deserved students. Therefore, I feel so happy for both Jordan and Helmig. I can only imagine the joy which both are currently experiencing within their lives.

            For anyone who likes old-school, ground-it-out football the way that it should be played, this was the game for you!!! As former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Announcer & Personality Jim Ross would say, “This was a SLOBBER-KNOCKER!!!!!” That is exactly how the game played out. If you thought that you were going to see some skillfully maneuvered passing plays/techniques, you were sorely mistaken! In this game, the passing game was basically null & void. Whatever damage was done, it was created through the use of the rushing game. In order for me to give you a better picture of what actually took place, all I need to say is the following. The halftime score was Xenia 3 and Springfield 0. Now, I must admit something. The Buccaneers’ Quarterback Danny Naylor did have some success in the passing game. However, the success which Naylor obtained did not lead to much (in terms of points placed onto the scoreboard). On the other hand, Springfield’s Quarterbacks were straight abysmal (as far as passing goes). With them, I just did not understand something. The Wildcats’ Quarterbacks were highly unsuccessful passing the ball. However, they repeatedly kept right on with the intent to pass the ball. Now, I understand that if something does not work the first time, you should never give up. Quitting should never be a main, focal point of anyone’s life. If you keep on practicing & trying to correct what is wrong, then at some point, your misfortunes possibly will turn around in a more positive fashion. I completely understand all of that. However, sports are different. You do not always possess enough time for situations to turn positive. At some point, you just have to realize something is not working. Then, you abandon its usage. Obviously, the SHS Football Coaching Staff does not understand that issue.

            After the game’s opening kickoff went out-of-bounds, the Buccaneers were penalized. The Wildcats started on offense first. They were positioned on their own 35-Yard Line. They immediately went to the rushing game. The Buccaneers’ Defense shut it down. Then on 2^ND & 3^RD Downs, passes were incomplete. On 4^TH Down, the Springfield was forced to punt. Xenia started off with good field position. The Buccaneers’ Offense started on its own 46-Yard Line. By utilizing a mixture of three rushing plays and one long pass downfield, the Buccaneers moved deep into the Wildcats’ territory. However, like always, the Xenia gets into an opponent’s red zone. However, they were unable to convert a touchdown. A False Start Penalty and an incomplete pass into the end zone left the Buccaneers with no other choice, but to try a field goal attempt. Unfortunately, Kole Patterson’s Field Goal Attempt was blocked. Springfield recovered the ball. That was probably the most intense action which the game displayed until 1:15 of the 1^ST Quarter.

            Around that time, the Wildcats were on an offensive drive. By mainly utilizing rushes by their running backs and one rush by its quarterback, the Wildcats were moving the ball downfield. They were already into Buccaneers’ territory. So, Springfield was only helping itself out. They were successful at what they were doing. Well, like the old-time, highly-used phrase goes, “All good things must come to an end!” At 1:26, one of the Wildcats’ Running backs ran the ball. He forgot to hold onto the ball, and he fumbled it. At 1:15, a Xenia Defender recovered the lost fumble. On the play, the Wildcats’ Starting Quarterback did get hurt. He got to his feet, and he was able to walk off the field. Later on in the game, he would eventually return. The lost fumble ended up not hurting the Wildcats. Once again, the Buccaneers failed to capitalize on one of the Wildcats’ mistakes. The Buccaneers ended up having to punt the ball. Xenia’s play got even more frustrating. At 10:16 of the 2^ND Quarter, the Buccaneers’ Linebacker Mark Thomas III recovered another fumble by a SHS Running Back. Once again, the Buccaneers’ Offense went flat. On a 4^TH Down and 7 at 7:56, Naylor threw an incomplete pass downfield. The Buccaneers turned the ball over on downs.

            Time and time again, Springfield failed to find any type of sustainable success with its passing game. However, they did not care. They kept right on throwing the ball.  At 3:57 of the 2^ND Quarter, their refusal to correct their passing mistakes and/or give up passing altogether came back to bite them big-time.  Xenia’s Defensive Back Nate Richmond intercepted a pass. Richmond returned the interception to the Wildcats’ 10-Yard Line. The Buccaneers failed to get into the end zone. They had to settle for the conversion of a field goal by Patterson. Those were the first points of the game, and the Buccaneers led the Wildcats 3-0. With 31.2 Minutes left in the 2^ND Quarter, Buccaneers’ Defensive Back Khalil Capers intercepted a pass within the end zone. In the case of SHS, when it rains, it definitely pours. Capers’ interception put an exclamation point to the ending to the game’s 2^ND Quarter & first half. Before the quarter ended, the Buccaneers ran one play. It was a rush by a running back. That play ran out the quarter’s remaining seconds.

            In the 3^RD Quarter, the Buccaneers’ Defense came onto the field completely fired up. After a failed drive by the Buccaneers’ Offense, Patterson was forced to punt the ball. He made an excellent kick which led to what eventually happened two plays later. After the punt, the Wildcats were positioned on their very own 1-Yard Line. They rushed the ball on 1^ST Down. The rush went absolutely nowhere. On 2^ND Down, the Buccaneers’ Defense made their presence emphatically known. At 9:01, a rushing play by the Wildcats ended up being a 2-Points Safety. With the aid of two key Personal Foul Penalties committed by the Wildcats’ Defense, the Buccaneers’ next offensive drive was very successful. At 5:13 of the 3^RD Quarter, the Buccaneers had a 1^ST and Goal on Springfield’s 2-Yard Line. Naylor kept the ball, and he rushed into the end zone for a touchdown. After the completion of Sabrina Gregory’s Extra Point Kick, Xenia led Springfield 12-0. For the Wildcats, this nightmare of a game got even worse. While still continuing to pass at 3:51, the Buccaneers’ Richmond intercepted another pass. During the 3^RD Quarter’s final three minutes, multiple fights broke out. At one point, Offsetting Personal Foul Penalties were called on both teams.

            Even as the 4^TH Quarter got underway, the Wildcats were only down 12-0 to the Buccaneers. Therefore, in order to mount a comeback, the Wildcats had plenty of time. At 8:58, the Wildcats had a 1^ST and Goal on the Buccaneers’ 3-Yard Line. At 8:54, the Wildcats’ offense rushed into the end zone for a touchdown. The completed extra point attempt made the score: Xenia 12 and Springfield 7. The Wildcats were now right back in the thick of things. Their crowd and the band were beginning to come alive with much excitement. The Buccaneers would soon quiet all of that excitement. With 21.8 Seconds to go in the game, the Wildcats were facing a huge obstacle to overcome. Due to penalties committed by their very own offense, the Wildcats were backed up on their 25-Yard Line. In order to win this game, the Wildcats had to drive the ball more than 75 yards for a touchdown. 21.8 Seconds is not a lot of time to get that feat accomplished. Well, on 4^TH Down, the Wildcats hopes & dreams were crushed for good. The Buccaneers’ Defensive Lineman Trevor Moyer recovered a fumbled snap in the end zone. The end result was the game’s final touchdown of the night. After a completed extra point kick by Patterson, the Buccaneers went up by a score of 19-7. The Wildcats got the ball back one final time. However, with no time remaining on the game clock, Capers intercepted another pass.

            Thus far, I honestly believe that this was Xenia’s Best Game of The Season. In the previous week, they suffered a crushing defeat to Wayne. The Buccaneers bounced back well. I was totally impressed with how strong their defense came out and played the entire game. They completely shut down Springfield’s Passing Game. However, I firmly believe this. Flat out, Springfield cannot adequately throw the football whatsoever. So, add that together with the Buccaneers’ Defensive Backs stopping whatever passing the Wildcats were trying to do, and guess what you have? You have a mixture which led to multiple interceptions by the Buccaneers’ Defense. As far as the Wildcats’ Rushing Game goes, the Buccaneers kept that pretty much in-check. Considering how poor the Buccaneers’ Rush Defense has been all season long, that was very surprising. On the ground, Springfield may have gotten some yards. However, for the most part, Xenia did not allow Springfield’s ground game to control the game. In every other previous game this season, the Buccaneers have allowed that issue to take place. Now, all that the Buccaneers need to do is put together a strong pass defense with a strong rush defense. If they are successful at creating & joining the two attributes together, then the rest of the 2013 Season will have some very positive moments. Of course, the Buccaneers’ offense has to play its part as well. They have a lot of improvements to make. If they get their act together too, then the ending to the 2013 Season is going to be a very interesting one to watch.