Defense fuels Firebirds
- Updated: November 11, 2023
Survive and advance mode was in full effect during the highly anticipated GMC rematch between Lakota West and Princeton. Both teams were scratching and clawing to extend 2023 one more week. Only one came out on top.
CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Blitz 5 Game of the Week featured a GMC rematch when Lakota West took on Princeton on Friday night. The Firebirds and Vikings clashed at Dwyer Field in Mason with a chance to push through to the regional final next week. Princeton sought to down Lakota West for the second time this season and show why they were the GMC champions. Lakota West aimed to get back to the regional final for the fourth straight season with eyes on taking that next step to state. The atmosphere was electric when the two rivals met with everything on the line.
Defense was a key theme in the early going. Lakota West received the opening kickoff and went to work driving down the field on their drive. Quarterback Sam Wiles led the drive with some nice runs and command of the offense. The Firebirds drove deep into the red zone before the Princeton defense held and forced a field goal attempt. Brayden Benner got the scoring started with a 31-yd field goal and 3-0 lead. Princeton would take the ball with a chance to answer.
The Vikings’ first drive seemed to be over very quickly. Princeton quarterback DeAngelo Birch was picked off by Finn Mason but a roughing the passer call gave the ball back and continued the drive. Princeton would convert another third down and later Birch would find Landon Miree in the end zone for a 33-yd score and the lead at 7-3.
The rest of the half was a defensive battle as neither team could break through for a touchdown. Lakota West moved the ball up and down the field but could not convert in the red zone on fourth down. Princeton was effective on offense as well, but Finn Mason picked off Birch late in the half and Benner knocked in a 38-yd field goal as time expired in the second quarter. Princeton led 7-6 at the break.
Princeton received the second half kickoff and looked to put a big score on the board. Lakota West had other plans as they forced a very quick three and out to get off of the field. Princeton returned the favor with their defense by picking off Sam Wiles deep in their own territory. The action then started to pick up in this game. Princeton was backed way up and forced to punt out of their own end zone. Improbably they went for the fake and were stopped on their own 1-yd line. West finally scored a touchdown when Junior Gonzalez scored on a 1-yd plunge with 5:01 left in the third. The 2-pt conversion was no good and West led 12-7.
The two teams exchanged punts and when it was West’s turn, Princeton’s Antonio Hunter made an electric return for a touchdown. The celebration was short-lived as there was an illegal block in the back that brought it back. Later in the drive, a fourth down conversion for the Vikings was also nullified by a penalty. Princeton would eventually turn the ball over on downs. The Princeton defense would again force a punt and get the ball back again trailing 12-7 with 8:03 remaining.
The door was essentially closed shortly after when Finn Mason picked off his second pass of the night and took it 68 yards to the end zone for the decisive score. Lakota West led 19-7 and Princeton never threatened again as the Firebirds ran out the clock on the win. West advances to their fourth consecutive regional final where they will face the Moeller Crusaders once again.
Lakota West was dominant in the run game as they rushed for 218 yards on the ground. Braydon Johnson, Tyson Davis, Wiles, and Gonzalez all had successful nights rushing for the Firebirds. Defensively they held Princeton to 141 total yards on the night. Along with Finn’s two interceptions, Grant Beerman (8), Jacob Asbeck (8), and Elijah Davis (6) led the Firebirds in tackles.
Lakota West advances to their fourth straight regional title game where they will face Moeller for the third straight season.
SCORING BY QUARTERS
Lakota West 3-3-6-7-19
Princeton 7-0-0-0-7
SCORING PLAYS
L: Brayden Benner 31-yd field goal
P: Landon Miree 33-yd rec from DeAngelo Birch (Parker Evans kick)
L: Brayden Benner 38-yd field goal
L: Junior Gonzalez 1-yd rush (2 pt failed)
L: Finn Mason 68-yd INT (Benner kick)
RECORDS: Lakota West (10-2); Princeton (12-0)
UP NEXT: OHSAA Division I, Region 4 Championship vs Moeller
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