BELLBROOK, Ohio – Chase Even scored on a five-yard touchdown run in overtime as #19 Badin survived a hard-fought Greater Catholic League Co-Ed battle against Alter, 20-14, on Friday night at Bellbrook High School.
The Rams (7-2, 3-1) raced to a 14-0 first-quarter lead but needed a defensive stand and one final scoring drive to secure their seventh consecutive victory over the Knights (5-4, 2-2). The victory strengthened Badin’s postseason position and kept the Rams in the GCL Co-Ed championship conversation heading into the regular-season finale.
Badin couldn’t have asked for a better start. Cooper Clay returned the opening kickoff 79 yards for a touchdown, giving the Rams a 7-0 advantage before their offense even took the field.
After forcing Alter into a three-and-out, Badin doubled its lead when Even broke loose for a 25-yard touchdown run with 7:56 remaining in the opening quarter.
The Knights responded behind quarterback Henry Hallock, who scored on a one-yard touchdown run at the 2:52 mark to cut the deficit to 14-7.
Alter appeared to have another big special teams play when Drew Cripps returned a punt for a touchdown, but the score was wiped away by a penalty.
Both defenses settled in during the second quarter. The teams traded turnovers on consecutive plays late in the half, and Badin mounted another scoring threat before intermission.
The Rams drove to the Alter 13-yard line in the final seconds but came away empty when a 27-yard field goal attempt missed as time expired, leaving Badin ahead 14-7 at halftime.
Badin held a 128-92 advantage in total yards during the opening half. Even led the Rams with 60 rushing yards on 11 carries, while Cripps paced the Knights with 40 yards on 12 attempts.
Alter battled back after halftime, eventually finding the end zone to tie the contest at 14-14. Neither team could break the deadlock in regulation, sending the GCL Co-Ed rivals into overtime.
The Knights received the ball first in the extra period but failed to capitalize. Alter attempted a 41-yard field goal that missed, giving Badin an opportunity to win the game with a score.
The Rams turned to Even, who delivered the decisive blow with a five-yard touchdown run to send Badin home with a thrilling 20-14 victory.
The win continued Badin’s recent dominance in a series historically controlled by Alter. The Knights entered Friday leading the all-time series 27-19, but the Rams had captured the previous six meetings, including a 35-28 playoff victory last season.
Friday’s victory also sets up a meaningful regular-season finale for Badin against #24 McNicholas, which entered Week 9 unbeaten in conference play and looking to secure at least a share of the GCL Co-Ed championship.
Badin led 14-7 after the first quarter and at halftime. Alter tied the game 14-14 during the second half, and the teams remained deadlocked through regulation. Badin scored the only points of overtime to win 20-14.
RECORDS: Badin (7-2, 3-1); Alter (5-4, 2-2)
UP NEXT: Badin at # McNicholas; Alter vs. Chaminade Julienne
Get the complete scores from all of this week’s action on the Underground Sports Shop Scoreboard at TriStateFootball.com/scores.
*Stay updated on high school football updates by following @TSFootball on X.
