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Second-half defense propels Badin

Withrow WR Myles Rochelle (photo by Autumn Duncan/TriStateFootball.com)

CINCINNATI, Ohio – A battle of top tier defenses was on display Friday night in the Blitz 5 Game of the Week. Reigning division III state runner-up Badin made the trip from Hamilton to Hyde Park to take on the host Withrow Tigers.

The Tigers shut out six opponents a season ago and gave up just seven points in their opener. They lost a close battle to division I Springboro a week ago.

Badin was looking to extend its eleven-game regular season win streak while serving notice that they are still the team to beat in the region as they keep their eye on a return trip to state.

In a tough defensive half, Withrow was able to get on the board first with a 20-yard field goal from Rex Shaffer with 3:55 to play in the first quarter giving them a 3-0 lead. 

The Rams would respond quickly after getting a lengthy kickoff return from WR Aidan Brown. Two plays later it was Brown again with a 25-yard TD reception from Alex Ritzie. Badin led 7-7 after a quarter.

Withrow would go on a positive drive on their own with a mixture of a ground and air game. Quintin Simmons was able to maneuver himself, reverse field and score on a 9-yard run to help Withrow regain the lead. The PAT was missed but Withrow still held a 9-7 lead.

UC commit Braedyn Moore was able to get free and was found by Ritzie for a 17-yard touchdown reception as Badin once again was able to get the advantage this time at 14-7 heading into the half.

The Tigers would answer again, this time driving down the field and punching in a 2-yard plunge by quarterback Troy Montgomery as time expired. After a successful 2-point conversion, Withrow went to the half with a 17-14 lead.

The Tigers outgained the Rams 294-96 in the first half.

Both defenses tightened up to begin the second half. After a tough hard-nosed drive, Badin was able to punch one into the endzone on a 1-yard score by running back Carter Russo. Withrow looked to counter but quarterback Troy Montgomery went down with an injury. After trying to return, Montgomery left the game again and Withrow turned the ball over on downs as the third quarter expired.

The Rams dug out another solid drive but were finally held to a field goal attempt. Nick Warner knocked in a 32-yard strike to help Badin extend their lead to seven at 24-17.

Montgomery again returned but the Tigers were unable to muster anything else the rest of the way. Badin’s Drew Enginger came up with a huge interception to help thwart any comeback attempts.

PHOTOS: Badin at Withrow

SCORING BY QUARTERS
Badin 7-7-7-3-24
Withrow 3-14-0-0-17

SCORING PLAYS
W: Rex Shaffer 20yd field goal, 3-0 Withrow 3:35 Q1
B: Aidan Brown 25 yd TD pass from Alex Ritzie, 7-3 Badin 2:27 Q1
W: Quintin Simmons 9 yd TD run, PAT no good, 9-7 Withrow 8:11 2Q
B: Braedyn Moore 17 yd TD pass from Ritzie, 14-9 Badin 2:11 2Q
W: Troy Montgomery 2 yd TD run, 2 PT conversion good, 17-14 HALF
B: Carter Russo 1 yd TD run, 21-17 Badin, 6:21 3Q
B: Nick Warner 32 yd FG, 24-17 Badin. 8:31 4Q

RECORDS: Badin (3-0); Withrow (1-2)
UP NEXT: Badin at Roger Bacon; Withrow vs. Archbishop Hoban

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