Though Springfield showed promise, the Rams’ experience won out in a 34-6 victory at Evans Stadium. Trotwood has been to four straight state title games. Douglass sees a fifth in their future.
“I expect them to be back in the state championship game again this year. I know what I left so I know what it’s like there,” said Douglass, who left Trotwood after last season following 13 years as the head coach.
“Jeff did a great job with those kids. He’s been working with them the last six years. They’ll continue to be successful. I’m happy for them. I know what we built so I knew they would be tough.”
Trotwood’s defense came up big in the first half, holding Springfield scoreless despite three trips inside the Rams’ 20-yard line. Trotwood’s offense took advantage with 21 second-quarter points.
Junior quarterback Messiah DeWeaver, a Michigan commit, threw a 12-yard touchdown to Eric Cospy and ran for a 12-yard score. Freshman Raveon Hargrove — who looks like a smaller version of compact NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew — ran in touchdowns from 4 and 15 yards.
Senior Harrison Johnson added a 28-yard interception return,
It was 34-0 before Springfield ruined the shutout, scoring with 11 seconds left.
“We had great memories together (at Trotwood) and we’re still going to have those memories,” Graham said of going against Douglass. “It was great going out as friends and competing against each other. That’s all it was.”
Graham enjoyed the feeling of getting that first win out of the way to start the season. That wasn’t the only benefit on the hot Friday night.
“I got an ice tub (dumped on me),” Graham said. “I should have known cause they asked for my phone. Then they asked for my headset. Next thing I know I got the ALS challenge.”
Challenging was how Douglass described his week having to coach against his alma mater and the coaches and kids he’s good friends with.
“This was the hardest week of my life,” he said.
“I love my alma mater. I’ll always be a Ram at heart. But now I’m a Wildcat, too. Now I can be a Trotwood fan because they’re not in our division.”
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