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| Friday September 03, 2010 | Sidney Daily News Online - 937-498-5939 |
| 11/3/2008 8:36:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article |
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| ANNA QUARTERBACK Wes Hunsucker looks for room to escape as two Marion Local defenders close in on him Saturday night at Anna in Division V playoff action. Marion Local won 13-3. SDN Photo/Erin Pence |
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Flyers win rematch 13-3
By Tim Langevin
Sports Writer
ANNA - This was one football game that both coaches preferred playing later than sooner. Kind of like a trip to the dentist. It's necessary, but not without trepidation.
Regardless, it was a unique scene, a tightly-wrapped bundle of emotions and the inevitable fact that only one team would advance.
This time, Marion Local won the encore performance 13-3 in the first round of Division V football playoff action at jam-packed Booster Field Saturday evening.
The quest continues for a third straight state title for the Flyers, who own a 32-6 playoff record with four state championships in seven appearances.
For the Anna Rockets, a brilliant 9-2 season, along with all the buzz, comes to a conclusion.
"This game ranks up there," winning Marion Local coach Tim Goodwin said. "It was four quarters of action-packed football."
Anna coach Bryan Rioch agreed, "It must have been a fun game to watch. The fans definitely got their money's worth."
The first quarter ended in a scoreless battle, but Anna moved the ball on their opening possession 57 yards. Running back Dan Stewart, who missed four games with a back injury, ignited the drive with a 41-yard run on the third play of the game. That would prove to be the longest play from scrimmage for either team.
However, Anna was unable to convert on fourth and nine from Marion's 19-yard-line when Wes Hunsucker's pass was bobbled by Zach Clark in the back of the endzone.
Rioch said, "I felt the kids came out nervous and flat. They seemed afraid to commit to the plays."
The second quarter was much of the same with both defenses rising to the challenge. Anna recovered two fumbles and Marion Local intercepted a pass.
The lone score of the half came on a 30-yard field goal by Zach Clark with 9.7 seconds left until intermission. Anna led 3-0.
The field goal was set up by a pass interference call which placed the football on Marion's 13-yard line.
Goodwin said, "We felt good at half. We had some breaks go against us, but the kids fought hard."
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