Columbus Grove quarterback Landon Best stiff arms Allen East linebacker Jack Hoel during Friday night’s game at Columbus Grove.
Jessica Trinko | The Lima News
COLUMBUS GROVE — Those 251 rushing yards weren’t for himself, the coaches or even the fans in the stands.
They were for loved ones serving in the military, as far as Columbus Grove’s Trenton Barraza was concerned, as the Bulldogs beat Allen East, 47-28, Friday night in a Northwest Conference duel.
“I was playing for my uncle, Leonard Barraza Jr., and I don’t get to see him a lot,” Barraza said of his relative who served in the U.S. Army. “I wish I was closer to that side of my family. I played for him today, and every yard I had was for him.”
Friday was an emotional night for many of Columbus Grove’s players, as each chose a military member’s name to put on the back of their special camouflaged jerseys.
“We dedicated a Missing in Action/POW chair at the beginning of the game, playing ‘Taps,’ and I looked at the kids’ eyes,” Columbus Grove coach Andy Schafer said. “They love their country. They love their community.”
Columbus Grove (4-2, 3-0 NWC) trailed 14-7 early in the second quarter when its rushing game became a wrecking ball through the defense of Allen East (1-5, 0-3 NWC), as the Bulldogs scored three unanswered touchdowns.
Barraza, who had 209 yards rushing on 24 carries by halftime, had an impressive 31-yard touchdown run that included spinning from one would-be tackler before emerging from a scrum a few yards later to run the remaining 15 yards unscathed and tie the game.
The Bulldog defense held firm on a three-and-out, giving more time for the Columbus Grove offense. Eight plays later, Brady Basinger had his second touchdown catch of the day, on a 4-yard pass from Landon Best.
After another three-and-out, the Bulldogs were back in business. Barraza had big runs of 25 and 12 yards before cashing in from three yards out and a 27-14 lead. He finished with three touchdowns Friday.
In all, the Bulldogs had 492 rushing yards, including 123 yards by Best, who had two touchdown runs and two passing TDs. Josh Gannon added another 97 yards rushing behind a strong showing by the offensive line.
“It’s awesome. I know I’m doing my job then,” said Loudon Auchmuty, a senior offensive lineman. “It’s a lot more fun when everybody’s rushing well. We’re just playing football, and there’s nothing better than that.”
Barraza was glowing in his praise of the line.
“I love my line,” Barraza said. “There’d be no holes up there if it weren’t for them. When I get in space, I know I can do some work out there, but it’s all up front.”
Allen East had pulled within six points, 27-21, in the third quarter, on Jacob Pinks’ 9-yard touchdown run with 7:59 left in the third quarter. The Bulldogs bounced back with three straight scores of their own.
Quarterback Jackson Thompson had a team-high 64 rushing yards and two touchdowns for Allen East.
The Mustangs’ Carson Clum had a defensive highlight in the first quarter, as he intercepted a tipped pass and ran it back 30 yards for a score.
Ultimately, the Bulldogs just had more firepower, as they set a school record with 31 first downs and held onto the ball for 30:56, compared to Allen East’s 17:04.
“I think our kids play inspired every time we do military night here,” Schafer said. “We do it differently from some other schools, and each kid has a name on the back of their jersey that’s the someone they’re playing for. A lot of guys actually had those men and women here for them tonight. It’s just a special night.”
Game Summary
Allen East Columbus Grove
11 First downs 25
206 Total yards 514
131 Rushing yards 492
75 Passing yardage 22
5-20-0 Passing 4-10-1
1-0 Fumbles-Lost 1-1
5-34.2 Punts 1-12.0
4-57 Penalties 5-60
Score by quarters:
Allen East 7 7 7 7 — 28
Columbus Grove 7 20 13 7 — 47
First quarter
CG-Brady Basinger 10 pass from Landon Best (Evan Verhoff kick), 6:48
AE-Carson Clum 30 interception return (Isen Shafer kick), 2:50
Second quarter
AE-Jackson Thompson 7 run (Isen Shafer kick), 10:49
CG-Trenton Barraza 31 run (Evan Verhoff kick), 9:21
CG-Brady Basinger 4 pass from Landon Best (kick failed), 5:24 CG-Trenton Barraza 3 run (Evan Verhoff kick), 1:52
Third quarter
AE-Jacob Pinks 9 run (Isen Shafer kick), 7:59
CG-Trenton Barraza 11 run (Evan Verhoff kick), 4:29
CG-Landon Best 46 run (pass failed), 3:22
Fourth quarter
CG-Landon Best 4 run (Brady Basinger kick), 8:08
AE-Jackson Thompson 8 run (Isen Shafer kick), 6:39
David Trinko wrote this story for LimaScores.com. Reach The Lima News sports department at 567-242-0451.
