GIRARD, OH- As we begin to roll deeper into the playoffs, no other team has had a more up and down season than Girard. The Indians have had to deal with injuries and tough losses as they were on their way to a great regular season. But in their Division IV, Region 13 matchup against a familiar foe in Hubbard, Girard looked back to Stephen Sims to lead them. A low scoring first half transitioned into a more back and forth second half, with both teams trading blows. But eventually possession time was a factor against the Eagles as Girard walked away with a 30-20 victory. 

Hubbard struck first early with a touchdown by Ben Wilcox, but Girard answered right back with a connection from Dominick Tollone to Anthony Bengala to tie it up at 7 a piece. A blocked punt by the Indians would allow them to settle for a field goal to go up 10-7 at the half. In the second half, just like the first, Hubbard scored out the gate, but Girard answered and regained the lead at 16-14. Girard slowly started taking over after another score to go up 23-14 going into the final stanza. Girard would keep Hubbard off the board again and Sims would extend the lead to make it 30-14 with a 41-yard run. Hubbard would eventually find the endzone one last time, but ran out of time to make a comeback.

Hubbard’s season will come to an end with a 6-5 record. Congratulations to the Eagles on a tremendous season. Girard will advance to the second round as they will host another familiar foe, Jefferson Area next Friday. Don’t miss it on YSN!

*Contributed By YSN’s Brendan Miller