Columbus Grove’s Trenton Barraza looks for space to run during Saturday night’s Division VI state semifinal against Marion Local at Spartan Stadium. See more high school football photos at LimaScores.com.
Richard Parrish | The Lima News
LIMA — Defense took center stage in the first half of Saturday’s Division VI state semifinal football game at Spartan Stadium.
At the halftime break, Marion Local held a slight 7-0 lead over Columbus Grove.
However, in the second half, Marion Local also got its offense clicking on all cylinders as it pulled away for a 27-0 victory over Columbus Grove.
Marion Local (15-0) will play Kirtland for the Division VI state championship, next Saturday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton with kick-off set for 10:30 a.m.
Columbus Grove ends its season, 12-3.
Marion Local is vying for its 13th state championship in football.
Longtime Marion Local head coach Tim Goodwin gave credit to Columbus Grove’s defense, especially in the first half.
“They were just physical; and they put their safeties deep. So, when you put that combination together, it’s tough sledding. So, we had to figure some stuff out,” Goodwin said.
There was no scoring in the first quarter as both defensive units played exceptionally well.
Columbus Grove did not record a first down in the first 12 minutes of action, while Marion Local managed to move the first-down chains just three times.
Marion Local finally erased the goose eggs on the scoreboard.
Late in the second quarter, the Flyers mounted a 9-play, 64-yard scoring drive that was capped off with a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tate Hess to Kyle Otte. With the extra point, Marion Local led Columbus Grove 7-0 with 2:39 left to play in the first half. That score held up to the break.
Columbus Grove running back Trenton Barraza spent some time behind center in the first half. Barraza rushed for 38 yards on 15 carries in the first half. He also was 1 of 2 passing for eight yards. Barraza ended the game with 120 rushing yards on 26 carries. Brenton Renner, the starting quarterback for the Bulldogs, was 2 for 3 passing for 17 yards.
In the first half, Marion Local rolled up 142 yards of total offense. Columbus Grove recorded just 67 total offensive yards.
Columbus Grove had four first-half first downs, while Marion Local moved the chains six times.
Marion Local running back Kyle Otte rushed for 52 yards on seven carries in the first half. Otte ended the night with 69 yards on 11 carries. Otte had four catches for 21 yards and two TD catches. Quarterback Tate Hess ended the game with 56 rushing yards on eight touches.
Marion Local came into Saturday’s state semifinal, giving up just 2.1 points per game this season.
For the game, Marion Local rolled up 331 total offensive yards.
Columbus Grove ended the night with just 162 yards of offense (41 rushing, 121 passing).
Goodwin felt like his team started to wear down Columbus Grove in the second half.
“We have the ability to do that, especially when we get up two scores,” Goodwin said. “They know it’s tough sledding against our defense. … It just wears on you, mentally.”
With 4:01 left to play in the third quarter, the Flyers capped off a 10-play, 67-yard scoring drive with a 13-yard TD pass from Hess to Otte. With a missed extra point, Marion Local led 13-0.
The Flyers were not finished.
Right before the end of the third quarter, Hess connected with Nathan Buschur (two catches, 93 yards) for a 71-yard TD pass. With the extra point by Carson Bills, the Marion Local lead grew to 20-0. That score held up to the third stop.
Marion Local took full advantage of great field position midway through the fourth quarter.
The Flyers covered 28 yards in just six plays to reach the end zone. Drew Seitz ran it in from three yards out to score. With the extra point, Marion Local led 27-0 with 5:44 left to play in the contest.
“Coach Goodwin said, ‘You guys put up a heck of a fight’,” Columbus Grove head coach Andy Schafer said. “He’s right. … We did. Our game plan was working, but we just couldn’t get any points on the board.
“We felt like the way to beat these guys was to run right at them and be physical up front. Our goal, offensively, was to stick with our base; and it certainly worked for a half. We just couldn’t get into the end zone.”
Mark Altstaetter wrote this story for LimaScores.com. Reach The Lima News sports department at 567-242-0451.
