Staff report
SIDNEY — Minster spotted Fort Recovery a 6-0 lead, then scored on its first two possessions before coming up empty until late in the game in a 33-21 loss to Fort Recovery in Division 7 playoff action Friday night at Sidney Memorial Stadium.
Recovery drove for a score on the opening possession of the game, with Caleb Martin going in from four yards out for a 6-0 lead with 8:37 left in the opening quarter.
Minster took over on its first possession, and on the very first play, Josh Nixon hit Jacob Dues on a 37-yard pass to put the Wildcats in business. Evan Huelsman capped the drive with a 3-yard run and a 7-6 lead.
Then after the defense forced a three-and-out, Minster started on its own 46 and drove 54 yards for another score, the TD coming on a 14-yard pass from Nixon to Dues. It was Dues’ 18th TD reception of the season.
But back came the Indians, first on a 10-yard pass from Martin to Tanner Cook, then on a 54-yard TD pass from Martin to Wes Wenning.
Recovery was 0-for-3 on point-after attempts, but was up seven at the half thanks to a 23-yard Darian Scheffer field goal on the final play of the first half.
The Indians rolled up over 300 yards in total offense in the first two quarters.
The Indians controlled the second half as well, scoring two more times behind the running of Will Homan. His touchdown made it 33-14 past the midway point of the final period, and it capped an impressive 16-play drive.
Minster came right back for a quick score on an eight-yard run by Evan Huelsman, but the Wildcats were unable to recover the onside kick. After forcing a punt by Recovery, Minster’s hopes died on a Fort Recovery interception with :13 left.
Minster finishes the season 10-3.
