When: Friday, October 11th, 2019 – 7:00 PM Kickoff
Location: CareFlight Field at Watkins Stadium
Expected Gametime Weather: Overcast and 77 at Kickoff
Ticket Info: Pre-Sale tickets are available online (HERE) and in the Springboro High School Athletic Department on Thursday and Friday from 7:00 Am – 2:45 PM. Tickets will also be sold on Friday at lunch in the High School and Junior High Cafeterias.
Pre-Sale – $5.00 for All tickets
Gate – $8 for All tickets
Media Coverage – ESPN 1410 WING-AM , WRCX TV “Instant Highlights”, TKDS Sports Network on Facebook
Blue Crew Theme: Follow @BoroBlueCrew on Twitter for Theme Update.
Game Preview:
This Friday’s match-up pits two Division I State Ranked teams when #9 Springboro hosts #10 Springfield. The Panthers held on late to beat Northmont 27-21 after dominating the game for 3+ quarters. The Wildcats were able to coast to a 61-0 victory over Beavercreek last week. This game showcases both the #1 and #2 Scoring Offenses, AND the #1 and #2 Scoring Defenses in the GWOC. It is going to be a battle on Friday night!
Springfield is led on offense by Sophomore Quarterback Te’Sean Smoot who has thrown for 1025 yards, 11 TDs and 2 INTs. The Wildcats are led by the Running Back tandem of Seniors Tavion Smoot (579 yards, 9 TDs) and Jeff Tolliver (569 yards, 8 TDs). Springfield also has a trio of impressive Wide Outs led by Senior Larry Stephens who has 22 receptions for 479 yards and 7 Touchdowns. James Wood and Jalen Minney also are threats on the outside.
The Wildcat Defense has been stout all season while only give up 7.8 points per game. Senior Linebacker Xzerious Stinnett leads the team in tackles with 61 while also forcing and recovering a fumble. Defensive End Te’Vion Gilbreth and Free Safety Delian Bradley have been solid with 36 and 38 tackles respectively. Kicker Cole Yost has connected on 26 of 30 PATs while converting on his only Field Goal attempt.
The Boro Offense is averaging a GWOC best 38.3 points per game. Balance has been the key for the Panthers as they have been successful both on the ground and through the air. A key to the attack has been Junior Running Back Moise Armbruster who is the GWOC 2nd leading rusher with 707 yards and 7 touchdowns. Senior Timmy Keseday has also filled in at times and averages 5.5 yards per carry while scoring 5 TDs.
Both of the Panther Quarterbacks (Landon Palmer and Mikey Appel) have seen action with Palmer getting six starts to date. The duo has been effective in leading the offense combining for 13 Touchdown passes while also rushing for 2 scores. Two Junior Wide Receivers stepped up in last week’s game vs. Northmont. Connor Heyser broke free on a 4th down for a long score while 35 yard touchdown while Kahleel Trent scored later on a 15 yard catch. Both had big blocks that sprung big plays for the Panthers offense. Add Heyser and Trent into the mix with receiving leaders Titan Case, Willieon Yates, and Brandon Thomas and the Boro offense is very difficult for opposing defenses to match up with.
The Boro Defense is ranked behind only Springfield in most categories in the GWOC rankings. The group has played well as a unit which is highlighted by the fact that 7 different players have more than 20 tackles on the season. Keseday has filled up the stat sheet with a forced fumble, 3 fumble recoveries, and an interception. Fellow Safety Brock Bernard has 3 INTs and a forced fumble as well. On Special teams, Matthew Dapore has been solid in the kicking game, connecting on 29/30 PATs and 7/11 on Field Goals with a long of 47 yards.
It has not been a regular occurrence for two State-ranked teams to be playing on the football field in Springboro. This is a game that you don’t want to miss! Get your tickets now and arrive early! Lets go Panthers!