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Anderson upsets Winton Woods

Anderson WR Trace Jallick (photo by: Kelsey Rebman/TriStateFootball.com)

The much-anticipated Blitz 5 Game of the Week between Eastern Cincinnati Conference rivals was a good one, as the top-ranked team in the Blitz 5 Top 25, Winton Woods visited a hostile environment at Anderson. Winton Woods makes its living as a defensive juggernaut while Anderson is an offensive powerhouse. Something has to give in this epic ECC battle.

CINCINNATI, Ohio – Our Blitz 5 Game of the week made a stop in Anderson as the host Raptors welcomed in the Winton Woods Warriors for a key battle in the Eastern Cincinnati Conference. The defending champion Warriors were looking to keep the dominance of the league going as the Raptors were looking to bounce back from a tough loss a week ago and gain some momentum heading down the stretch. Both squads laid it all on the line and in the end, it was Anderson who came away with an exciting 20-13 upset win on Friday night.

The Anderson defense started strong by getting off of the field by turning away the Winton Woods offense. The offense would respond quickly. Junior quarterback Justice Burnam started the game 3-3 and found wide receiver Michael Smith for a 66-yard bomb as the Raptors found the endzone first. After a missed conversion the lead was 6-0. The Raptors defense got another stop, but the ensuing punt was muffed, and the Warriors took over in plus territory to start the second period. Again, the Raptors defense was up to the challenge and forced another three and out.

The Winton Woods defense now had their chance to make an impact. The Warriors pushed Anderson way behind the chains and forced a punt on a fourth and long. Brodey Berg’s punt was blocked by Charles Johnson and recovered in the endzone by TJ Buckman for a Warrior touchdown. After the extra point, Winton Woods led 7-6. The Raptors then made their move and were able to respond.

The Raptors went on an 80-yard drive that spanned 6:47 off of the clock to answer with a score. Burnam was in command for the entire drive. The potent passing attack was in motion as receivers Smith and Jallick were key in the drive by catching several bubble and tunnel screens. Berg mixed in several hard runs as well and he finished off the drive with a 1-yard plunge with 2:18 left in the half and a 12-6 advantage.

The Warriors would cap the half with a score to take a 13-12 lead. Sophomore quarterback Bryshawn Brown connected on a 46-yard pass to Tra’Mar Harris to ignite the drive. Several plays later it was Brown to Harris again for 37 yards and a touchdown. The extra point was no good and Winton Woods led 13-12 at the half.
PHOTOS: Winton Woods at Anderson

Anderson came out strong in the third quarter. The Raptors did not convert their opening drive but the defense came to the rescue. Antoine Higgins intercepted a pass on the next Winton Woods drive to set up the Raptors with great field position at the Winton Woods 28-yard line. A couple plays later and Brodey Berg broke free for a 19-yard scamper for his second TD of the game. The Raptors converted their 2 point try and extended their lead to 20-13 late in the third quarter.

Defense was the story for the Raptors, however. For a team with a normally prolific offense, the Raptors’ defense put forth an unbelievable outing. The Winton Woods offense was slowed all night long as the Anderson defense only gave up one touchdown on the night. Four sacks for -29 yards was a huge part of the game. Defensemen Seth Wake and Reed Baker were seemingly always in the middle of the big plays on defense as they helped lead the charge for the upset win of the state’s number one ranked team.

Winton Woods hadn’t lost a regular season game in the last two seasons. “The crowd was amazing, and this was a special win for the seniors” said Anderson coach Evan Dreyer.

SCORING BY QUARTERS
Winton Woods 0-13-0-0-13
Anderson 6-6-8-0-20

SCORING PLAYS
A: Michael Smith 66-yard rec from Justice Burnam (2PT no good)
W: TJ Buckman fumble recovery (Bryan Knighten kick)
A: Brodey Berg 1-yard rush (2PTno good)
W: Tra’Mar Harris 37-yard rec from Bryshawn Brown (kick failed)
A: Brodey Berg 19-yard rush (2PT Good)

RECORDS: Winton Woods (5-1, 4-1); Anderson (5-1, 4-1)
UP NEXT: Winton Woods vs. Kings; Anderson vs. Little Miami

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