BLANCHESTER — Visiting Little Miami converted a pair of Blanchester third quarter interceptions into touchdowns en route to a 24-0 victory at Barbour Memorial Field Friday night.
The game marked the debut for a pair of head coaches at their respective schools as Nick Inabnitt succeeded George Rise at the helm of the Wildcats while Scott Herman was elevated to the top post with the Panthers.
played football before. We have some things to work on and we must run the ball better than we did tonight. Honestly, I feel we're close and we just have to keep working hard and show more improvement."
For much of the first half after Little Miami had taken the 3-0 lead, both teams tried to establish field position with the Panthers accumulating a net of 125 yards in offense while the Wildcats struggled to reach 40 yards in offense. In the early minutes of the second half, a key defensive play stalled a potential drive for the Wildcats and gave the Panthers the momentum needed to pull away and break the game open.
Schlake's pass attempt on a fourth down play at the LM 23 yard line was intercepted by Josh Shaneyfelt who ran 85 yards down the left sideline to paydirt. McKeehan's PAT gave the Panthers a 10-0 lead. On the ensuing drive, another interception led to another Panther touchdown.
Junior quarterback Kyle Holliday scampered 17 yards up the middle with just over six minutes to play in the quarter and McKeehan's PAT widened the gap to 17-0. The final score came the next time the Panthers gained possession, as Josh Johns went 22 yards up the middle to stretch the advantage to 23-0, with McKeehan's PAT making the final count 24-0.
Blanchester continued to struggle on offense. The Wildcats had a couple of drives into Little Miami territory, but they could not convert on several third downs plays and were forced to punt the ball away. In their final drive, Schlake had a possible touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Ballard but he could not maintain possession at the goal line.
Inabnitt pointed out the impact of the interceptions, saying the turnovers were crucial mistakes. "Turnovers really hurt and they (Little Miami) capitalized but felt our kids played well defensively, and we were pressing a bit," he said.
During special pre-game ceremonies, recognition was given to Shayne Rankin, who died July 29. His death has left an impression with his teammates and many in the Blanchester community. His jersey No. 50 was framed and will be displayed in the Wildcats locker room. Throughout the stands, many wore special shirts with his number and references to Rankin were evident to many of the Wildcat fans in attendance.
While the healing process continues, now the players and coaches must prepare for their next opponent Summit Country Day at home Friday night before they begin league play in the Southern Buckeye Conference against Williamsburg Sept. 10.
Although the final score reflects a one-sided result, the Wildcats kept things close with their backyard rivals from Warren County. Little Miami placekicker Dan McKeehan put the Panthers on top, with a 33-yard boot which capped an 11-play opening game drive for the Panthers.
In the early minutes of the second quarter, the Wildcats attempted to tie the game but Brad Schlake's 39-yard field goal attempt fell short and wide right and the 'Cats were held scoreless the rest of the night. Despite their being held off the scoreboard, coach Inabnitt felt his team battled hard to the end and gave a good effort.
"We're trying to run a new offense (spread formation) which we feel better suits our personnel and we're also using a two-platoon system," he pointed out following the game. "We're also a relatively young squad with only eight seniors and three have never
Election 2010
