SCOL Roundup: Indians, Blue Lions seek 1-0 league start

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After going winless through the first two weeks, the South Central Ohio League’s non-Clinton County contingent had a solid week 3.

Wins by Hillsboro (40-6 over Clermont Northeastern), Washington (34-13 over Galia Academy) and Chillicothe (34-28 over Teays Valley) gave the league a little more respectability.

This week, league play begins with four matchups — Miami Trace at perennial champ Clinton-Massie; Washington at Hillsboro; East Clinton at Chillicothe; and McClain at Wilmington.

The matchup here is the Blue Lions visiting the Indians at Richards Memorial Field where Hillsboro will be celebrating its annual homecoming. Washington celebrated its homecoming last week, using the additional emotional charge to spark the Blue Lions to victory.

Washington has held a decided edge in the series in recent years — winning 39-22 in 2014, 34-14 in 2013, 39-0 in 2012, 42-12 in 2011, 41-12 in 2010, 28-27 in 2009, 7-6 in 2008, 49-6 in 2007, 41-14 in 2006.

Hillsboro’s last win in the series came in 2005, 39-13 at Richards Memorial Field.

Both teams picked up their first wins last week. The Indians had two rushing touchdowns by Heith Brown, and Hunter Chain with one passing and one rushing score.

Hillsboro coach Matt Hodge praised the play of his offensive line in the 40-6 triumph over the Rockets, according to a report in the Times Gazette.

“I really challenged my offensive line this week,” said Indians coach Matt Hodge. “I got after those guys pretty good. Me being their position coach, they don’t get a lot of breaks from me and I’m really proud of the way they played tonight and they were the difference in the game.”

That line will be facing a Blue Lions defense that had four sacks last week, led by Jacob Rice who had two. Mason McCane and Stephen Willis also had sacks.

Even though both teams have struggled, the renewal of SCOL plays brings hope.

“The nice thing about it is, this is the first week of league play,” Washington coach Corey Dye said. “Everybody’s undefeated in the league right now. Everyone’s going to be excited about starting league play.”

But Dye believes his squad is headed in the right direction.

“When you start off 0-2, it’s tough,” Dye said. “It’s tough with morale, it’s tough with practice. But our team has great leaders. The seniors have kept the team glued together. If anything, we’ve worked harder and improved last week. We definitely got a lot better.”

By Mark Huber

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

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