Springfield blanks Springboro for third straight shutout

“This defense, we worked hard in practice and stayed focused,” defensive lineman Tywan January said, “and we’re on to the next one.”

The goal is now 18 quarters, Brown said, though that will be a challenge because the next opponent is 10th-ranked Centerville, which beat Beavercreek 53-0 on Friday and has won four games in a row.

The Wildcats (6-0, 4-0) and Elks (6-1, 4-0) share first place in the Greater Western Ohio Conference with three games to play. Springfield beat Centerville 31-24 in overtime last season and has won three straight games in the series.

Springfield, ranked fourth in Division I, has not allowed a point since giving up 14 points in the first half against Wayne on Sept. 10. In the last 14 quarters, it has outscored Wayne, Beavercreek, Fairmont and Springboro 92-0.

This is the first time since Springfield High School opened in 2008 with the merger of North and South the team has recorded three shutouts in a row.

Springboro (3-3, 2-2) lost its second straight game and was shut out by Springfield for the third straight season. The Panthers lost 41-0 at Springfield last season and 23-0 at Springboro in 2019.

“Their defense was as advertised,” Springboro coach Ryan Wilhite said. “They have the ability to put pressure on you with their front, and they have the athleticism in the back end to play man coverage all over the field. It’s hard to get separation. You can do a lot with a defense that’s as talented as that. They’re well coached back there, and their technique is sound.”

After not seeing a pass last week in a 17-0 victory at Fairmont, the Wildcats intercepted the first two pass attempts by Springboro. Delian Bradley picked off a pass on the first play of the game. Christian McMillian ended Springboro’s second drive with an interception.

“That set the tone,” Bradley said. “We came out ready.”

Bradley scored on a 4-yard run to get the Wildcats on the board after his interception. Then quarterback Te’Sean Smoot capitalized on the second turnover, scoring on a 17-yard run, his eighth touchdown run of the season.

The Wildcats extended their lead to 19-0 by halftime as Jayvin Norman reversed field, dodged tacklers and scored on a 22-yard run in the second quarter.

The final touchdown came in the fourth quarter. Smoot threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Shawn Thigpen. It was the seventh touchdown pass of the season for Smoot and the third touchdown catch for Thigpen.

Springfield outgained Springboro 364-115 and limited the Panthers to seven first downs.

Smoot completed 16 of 26 passes for 146 yards and ran for 61 yards on 13 carries. Norman gained 116 yards on 10 carries. Thigpen caught six passes for 62 yards. Anthony Brown had four catches for 24 yards. Kevin Fair led the Wildcats with seven tackles.