LONDON — In a win that will go down among the most memorable in program history, Bellefontaine’s football team exacted some sweet revenge over the London Red Raiders here Friday night.
The Chiefs, who fell to London 36-6 six weeks ago in a regular-season game, looked like a completely different team this time around, using a strong dose of physicality in the trenches and big plays on offense to stun the Red Raiders 35-28 in a Division III, Region 11 quarterfinal.
Going into Friday’s game, Bellefontaine was 0-5 against London since the Red Raiders joined the Central Buckeye Conference in 2019.
Bellefontaine (10-2) advances to face Granville (12-0) next Friday in a regional semifinal game at a site to be determined.
Tigers can’t contain Patriots in playoff loss, 50-29
Big plays surrendered on defense and special teams proved costly for West Liberty-Salem on Friday in a 50-29 loss to the Tri-Village Patriots in a Division VI, Region 24 quarterfinal playoff matchup at WL-S.
The Patriots waged a second-half revolution to tame the Tigers, outscoring homestanding WL-S 35-6 over the final two quarters en route to the win.
Tri-Village returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in the game, and also found the end zone on its first offensive play from scrimmage in each half as part of a big-play onslaught that overwhelmed the Tigers.
Gabe McGill rushed for three touchdowns in the first half as WL-S took a 23-16 lead at halftime. That lead quickly dissipated in third quarter, however, as Tri-Village scored 28 points and pulled ahead for good.
“They made a couple of tempo adjustments in the second half and did a really good job of getting the ball in the hands of their best player,” WL-S head coach Dan McGill said.
Reed Wehr scored seven touchdowns Friday to lead Tri-Village.
For complete local high school football coverage, see Saturday’s Examiner.