Astros 2-0 but lose Osburn for season

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Despite a 2-0 start, East Clinton has faced plenty of in-game adversity this season.

Now, they’ll have to attack another challenge head-on the remainder of the season — playing without Anthony Osburn, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the game last week against Blanchester.

“With Anthony out for the season, we must now look to spread out his 20 or so carries to a few other players,” said EC coach Jeremy Yankey. “We need some guys to step up on both sides of the ball to fill some big shoes.”

East Clinton has scored seven touchdowns this season with Osburn accounting for five. He had an 81-yard rushing touchdown against Blanchester as well as an interception return against Batavia.

This week, the Astros will travel to Jamestown to face former Kenton Trace Conference rival Greeneview. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Greeneview won its opener 35-28 over Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy then lost to Madison-Plains 18-6 Saturday night.

The Rams defeated the Astros 31-16 in 2014 and 46-25 in 2013.

Yankey said Greeneview runs a balanced offense led by junior quarterback Collin Matt, a dual-threat signal-caller. Ethan Bradds, a tight end, is one of the Rams’ offensive playmakers.

On defense, the Rams are hard-nosed and use multiple fronts with big defensive linemen, said Yankey.

Bryce Wilson, a junior kicker, has a strong leg and is a weapon on special teams.

East Clinton bolted out to a 21-0 lead over Blanchester last week then held on for a 21-20 win.

“I really like our fast start on Friday and even Saturday morning,” said Yankey. “We finished the game well by not allowing Blanchester to have the ball back the last six minutes of the game. I didn’t like the fact that we were not able to score after the first quarter. I have to give credit to the Blanchester defense for not giving up and fighting through the extreme heat and playing well.”

One of the key defenders for East Clinton has been safety Wyatt Floyd.

“Wyatt has played well for us, but still has room to improve,” said Yankey. “He is now starting to play with some aggression and that is making him a better defender. He is still working himself into the rotation on the offensive side of the ball.”

East Clinton’s Wyatt Floyd (9) and Aaron Livingston (middle) go up for a pass intended for Blanchester’s Quenton Miller (12) during Saturday’s game. The Astros won 21-20.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2015/09/web1_FB2.bl_.12.ec_.1.93.jpgEast Clinton’s Wyatt Floyd (9) and Aaron Livingston (middle) go up for a pass intended for Blanchester’s Quenton Miller (12) during Saturday’s game. The Astros won 21-20. Mark Huber | News Journal File

By Mark Huber

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Reach Mark Huber at 937-556-5765, or on Twitter @wnjsports.

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