RAMS RUN OVER THE VIKINGS
* CONTRIBUTED BY NATE DICROSS
WEATHERSFIELD, OH – In a thrilling Friday night showdown, the Mineral Ridge Rams clashed with the Waterloo Vikings in a high-stakes football game that would go down in local history. The Rams came into the game with high hopes, and they didn’t disappoint their fans, eventually securing a resounding victory with a final score of 47-12.
The first quarter kicked off with a burst of energy as both teams were eager to establish their dominance on the field. It was the Vikings who drew first blood when Jayden Hakin bulldozed his way into the end zone with a powerful 1-yard touchdown run. However, the Rams’ defense came up big, blocking the extra point attempt, leaving the score at 6-0 in favor of Waterloo.
The Rams weren’t about to let their rivals take the lead for long. With just over two minutes remaining in the first quarter, Ian Erb, the Rams’ star running back, answered with his own 1-yard touchdown plunge. Landon Pal nailed the extra point, giving Mineral Ridge a 7-6 lead.
As the second quarter got underway, the Rams continued to build momentum. Ian Erb, displaying his incredible skill and speed, scored his second touchdown of the night with a dazzling 7-yard run. Landon Pal was once again precise with the extra point, extending their lead to 14-6.
Waterloo fought back valiantly, with Jayden Hakin connecting on a 25-yard touchdown pass to Matthew Ralston. However, the Vikings couldn’t convert the two-point attempt, leaving the score at 14-12 in favor of Mineral Ridge.
The Rams weren’t done yet. Just minutes before halftime, quarterback Owen Shingledecker unleashed a perfect 56-yard touchdown pass to Ian Erb, who showcased his versatility by contributing in the passing game as well. Landon Pal’s successful extra point put the Rams up 21-12.
In the third quarter, the Rams continued to pour it on. Ian Erb added to his incredible night with a third rushing touchdown, this time from 7 yards out, though the extra point attempt was unsuccessful, making the score 27-12.
The Rams weren’t content with their lead; they wanted to secure a decisive victory. In the late stages of the third quarter, Ian Erb struck again, this time with an 8-yard touchdown run. The two-point conversion attempt failed, but Mineral Ridge extended their lead to 33-12.
With the game all but sealed, the Rams put the finishing touches on their dominating performance in the fourth quarter. Preston Holbrook found the end zone with a 2-yard touchdown run, and Landon Pal’s reliable leg added the extra point. The scoreboard read 40-12 in favor of the Rams.
As the final minutes of the game ticked away, the Mineral Ridge Rams capped off their impressive victory with a well-executed touchdown drive. Landon Pal’s PAT was good, bringing the final score to 47-12.
The Mineral Ridge Rams had displayed their football prowess in spectacular fashion, led by the unstoppable Ian Erb. Their fans rejoiced as they celebrated a memorable win over their rivals, the Waterloo Vikings, in a game that would be remembered for years to come.
