CHAMPION STIFFLES CAMPBELL MEMORIAL
* CONTRIBUTED BY NATE DICROSS
CAMPBELL, OH – It was a crisp, autumn evening, and the excitement in the air was palpable as the Champion Golden Flashes prepared to take on the Campbell Memorial Red Devils. The stadium was packed with eager fans, their cheers echoing through the chilly night. The first quarter had been a defensive battle, with neither team managing to penetrate the other’s end zone. But as the second quarter began, the game’s momentum was about to change in a dramatic fashion.
With just over three minutes remaining in the second quarter, the Golden Flashes’ defense stepped up in a big way. The Red Devils, trying to mount a drive and break the deadlock, were moving the ball steadily downfield. But the Champion defense had other plans. As Campbell Memorial took a run off the edge, defensive lineman Michael Sanders exploded off the line of scrimmage with a burst of speed that left the offensive line stunned. With a perfectly timed swipe of his massive hand, Sanders knocked the ball out. The stadium gasped in unison as the football tumbled towards the ground. Without missing a beat, Connor McDermott pounced on the loose ball, scooping it up with a single fluid motion. The crowd erupted in cheers as he turned and sprinted downfield with the pigskin cradled in his arms. His teammates raced alongside him, providing crucial blocks and clearing a path to the end zone.
With every step, it seemed as though McDermott was fueled by the energy of the roaring crowd. He streaked downfield, running 40 yards with the football. The end zone beckoned, and as he crossed the goal line, he spiked the ball in celebration.
With the crowd still buzzing, the Golden Flashes lined up for the extra point attempt. The snap was clean, the hold was perfect, and the kicker’s boot was good. The extra point sailed through the uprights, and Champion now led 7-0 with just three minutes remaining in the second quarter.
Despite a valiant effort, the Campbell Memorial Red Devils found themselves struggling to gain any momentum. The Golden Flashes’ defense continued to stifle their offense, forcing turnovers left and right. By the end of the game, the Red Devils had committed a total of five turnovers, a testament to Champion’s tenacious defense.
As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard remained unchanged: Champion Golden Flashes 7, Campbell Memorial Red Devils 0. It was a hard-fought victory for Champion, as they improved to 1-6 on the season. Connor McDermott’s remarkable 40-yard fumble recovery had made all the difference, and the Golden Flashes and their fans celebrated their triumph on that memorable autumn evening.
