SOUTHERN MOVING RIGHT ALONG

SALINEVILLE, OH- Round 2 is in the books as we seen a rematch for the third straight year in row between Southern and St. Paul in Division VII, Region 25. The Indians were looking to change up the history as St. Paul has won the past two matchups. Southern used that motivation to back their effort early on. The Flyers came out hot early but Southerns defense and run game were key factors of the Indians ability to keep control of the game after multiple St. Paul attempts to make it a close game as Southern came away with the victory, 42-22. 

The most defining moment of this matchup came when St. Paul took the opening drive down to Southern’s 1-yard line. It looked as if the Flyers would get on the board first. But, the Indians stood tall on a 4th and 1 and forced a turnover on downs to swing the momentum back to Southern. From there, the Indians put up an impressive 99-yard drive with Wyatt Morris punching it in from 8-yards out. The Flyers would not be fazed too much as they struck right back to make it 8-6. But, Southern kicked into another gear, scoring two straight touchdowns after Cooper Edmiston set up a Ryan Exline from 1-yard out with a 47 yard kickoff return and an interception by Markell Smith to set up Colton Soukup from 3-yards out. St. Paul was able to creep back to make it 24-14 at half. In the second half, it was all Southern thanks again to their run game and defense. Morris took a 62-yard run to the house on the opening possession, which was followed by another interception that led to another Soukup touchdown run. Southern then forced another interception and eventually extended their lead to put the game away. Wyatt Morris led Southern with 16 carries for 152 yards and 2 TDs. Ryan Exline added 11 carries for 49 yards and 2 TDs. Colton Soukup finished with 6 carries for 43 yards and 2 TDs. 

Southern will advance to the quarterfinals in Division VII, Region 25 to face off with the top-ranked Warren JFK Eagles next Saturday. Don’t miss it on YSN!

*Contributed By YSN’s Brendan Miller