“This is what we want.”
Another state title to match last year's was the goal all year. Instead, the Rams must be content with having played in three straight state title games, something few teams have done in 41 seasons of Ohio playoffs.
The Rams (12-3), so defensively challenged in last week's 33-32 dodging of New Albany, couldn't shake that deficiency, especially in the first half.
Trailing 14-0 at the break, this time it was Irish senior running back Amir Edwards (38 rushes, 185 yards) who the Rams couldn’t stop. He scored both first-half touchdowns.
Trotwood freshman quarterback Messiah DeWeaver couldn’t get any kind of passing game going (3 for 12 for 57 yards). That allowed Central to challenge the line of scrimmage with a bead on super senior running back Israel Green (56 yards rushing). He wouldn’t come close to padding his all-time state rushing records that he set in the 2011 title defeat of Avon.
Encouraged by a previous fourth-down conversion, Green was stuffed on 4th-and-2 with 1:39 left in the half. That gave the Irish possession at the Rams’ 42. Edwards needed just 1:09 to cash in from eight yards.
How big was that?
“It was beyond huge, obviously, when you win by four,” Irish coach Greg Dempsey said. “It was the difference in the game.”
T-M coach Maurice Douglass took responsibility. He over-ruled his assistants and instead called an audible. But the line either didn’t hear or line up correctly. The play had no chance.
“We should have punted,” Douglass said. “I can man up and do that.”
DeWeaver also was buried in the end zone on a safety midway through the third quarter.
Trailing 16-0, Trotwood rallied with two fourth-quarter scores. Ryan Lucas caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from DeWeaver. With just 2:38 left, Austin Howell passed 14 yards to Demarcus Wilson.
Trotwood had one last possession but was inches short from a first down on a hook-and-lateral to Green. It would have given T-M one last play from 60 yards.
Instead, the Irish knelt in victory formation and time ran out on the Rams’ season.
Still, Trotwood has gone where no other area D-II team has been, let alone D-I. Although they hoisted just that 2011 title, it was the third straight year their season was extended to Week 15.
As usual, there are enough returnees to provide the Rams’ playoff hope for next season. But returning to this stage might be too much to ask.
This was a three-year show that defines Trotwood-Madison football at its finest. Too many seniors are headed to the next level, especially the Big Ten (four). Ably replacing them is the new challenge. It also will be as formidable as overcoming Central Catholic (14-1).
“They laid the ground work,” Douglass said of the seniors. “They’re the best class that’s come through Trotwood-Madison as far as football is concerned. They’ve left a strong legacy.”
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