FOSTORIA 14, ROSS 6
Week 10 of the 1991 season saw the Little Giants host state power Fostoria in the first Great Lakes League meeting between the two teams. The game was also the first between the two old rivals since 1961.
The Redmen roared into the game as the number one team in the state of Ohio in division two and were also a legitimate nationally recognized power. Fostoria was 9-0 overall and 5-0 in the GLL. The Rex Radeloff coached Little Giants came into the game at 5-4 overall and 4-1 league mark. Despite blustery conditions earlier in the day 7,000 roaring fans jammed Harmon Stadium for the game.
In the game, the overpowering Redmen offense outgained the Little Giants 300 yards to just 51. Fostoria ran 73 offensive plays to 38 for the Purple and White. Looking at those numbers you might think that Fostoria head coach Dick Kidwells prediction of his team winning by two TD's was on the spot. But as Lee Corso likes to say...Not so fast!
The Joe Siesel coached Ross defense kept the Little Giants in the contest. Siesel felt that his charges performance was the best in a long time. He credited Doug Siesel, Dan Frederick, and Damon Walker with playing a great game and keying the Ross defensive effort.
Fostoria drew blood first. The Redmen put together a 10 play, 56 yard drive that was capped by a Derek Kidwell to Tony Hammond 20 yard TD pass on a third down and five situation. The PAT was good and the Redmen were up 7-0.
The middle of the contest was a defensive showcase as neither team could crack the endzone. The Little Giants changed that with 10:50 to play in the game. The Ross defense held the Redmen, forcing them to punt. Derek Kidwell was at the 10 yard line to punt but fumbled the ball and the Little Giants recovered it. The purple and white quickly took advantage of the star QB's gift and scored on an Allen Dorsey to Nick Wolf pass for 20 yards into the endzone. The PAT was no good and the Redmen held a slim 7-6 lead.
Fostoria scored the final points of the contest at the end of a 64 yard drive. Tom Bretigam had a key 27 yard run to the Ross one to keep the drive moving. Bretigam put the ball into the endzone on the next play. The PAT was good and with :34 left in the contest the Fostorians were up 14-6.
The Little Giants were unable to mount any kind of challenge with the clock quickly ticking down and the Redmen won the contest. Fostoria went on to win the DII state championship and their talented QB Derek Kidwell was named Ohios Mr. Football.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Week nine in Ross football history.....1981
ROSS 29, FINDLAY 7
Week nine of the 1981 season saw the Little Giants host long time rival Findlay in a Buckeye Conference game at Harmon Stadium. Ross came into the game with slim hopes for another Buckeye Conference title. The Little Giants were 3-1 in the Buckeye and 6-2 overall.
Findlay got a couple of Buckeye Conference records during the game but the Little Giants got the numbers that counted, a 29-7 win. Findlay QB Bruce Porter was 24 of 34 for 228 yards for the night. That performace gave the Trojan signal called a BC record 1,511 yards for the season breaking the old record also held by a Trojan, Cliff Hite who had 1,475 yards.
Despite the great night by Porter, Little Giant defender Ron Thurn had two interceptions of the Trojan QB. In addition to Thurns picks Porter was sacked twice by both Doug Zink and Craig Forgatch for a total of 46 yards in losses.
For Ross, Eric Bates was the leading rusher. Bates toted the ball 17 times for a total of 130 yards. Ross standout QB Tony Gant had two touchdown passes, both to tight end Dan Bollenbacher. Gant also carried the ball 12 times for 57 yards.
Gant hooked up with Bollenbacher on a 35 yard TD pass with 3:07 remaining in the first quarter. Bates got the second Fremont TD. The Little Giant speedster ran 73 yards for a score early in the second quarter. Bo Johnson who carried the ball for a total of 76 yards got the third Ross score on a six yard run.
The win gave the Little Giants a shot at a Buckeye Conference title. Ross would have to face arch-rival Sandusky the following week for a chance at the crown. Sandusky moved to 8-1 overall and 5-0 in the Buckeye on this night, beating Lorain Admiral King 28-14.
Week nine of the 1981 season saw the Little Giants host long time rival Findlay in a Buckeye Conference game at Harmon Stadium. Ross came into the game with slim hopes for another Buckeye Conference title. The Little Giants were 3-1 in the Buckeye and 6-2 overall.
Findlay got a couple of Buckeye Conference records during the game but the Little Giants got the numbers that counted, a 29-7 win. Findlay QB Bruce Porter was 24 of 34 for 228 yards for the night. That performace gave the Trojan signal called a BC record 1,511 yards for the season breaking the old record also held by a Trojan, Cliff Hite who had 1,475 yards.
Despite the great night by Porter, Little Giant defender Ron Thurn had two interceptions of the Trojan QB. In addition to Thurns picks Porter was sacked twice by both Doug Zink and Craig Forgatch for a total of 46 yards in losses.
For Ross, Eric Bates was the leading rusher. Bates toted the ball 17 times for a total of 130 yards. Ross standout QB Tony Gant had two touchdown passes, both to tight end Dan Bollenbacher. Gant also carried the ball 12 times for 57 yards.
Gant hooked up with Bollenbacher on a 35 yard TD pass with 3:07 remaining in the first quarter. Bates got the second Fremont TD. The Little Giant speedster ran 73 yards for a score early in the second quarter. Bo Johnson who carried the ball for a total of 76 yards got the third Ross score on a six yard run.
The win gave the Little Giants a shot at a Buckeye Conference title. Ross would have to face arch-rival Sandusky the following week for a chance at the crown. Sandusky moved to 8-1 overall and 5-0 in the Buckeye on this night, beating Lorain Admiral King 28-14.
Monday, October 10, 2011
This week in Ross football history....week eight
ROSS 26, ELYRIA 7
Week eight of the 1951 season saw the unbeaten Little Giants of head coach Mal Mackey make the trip to Elyria to battle the Pioneers. A standing room only crowd of 8,000 fans jammed Ely Stadium for the contest despite the weather conditions which featured an early season snow that piled up several inches in depth on the field.
The weather did not hinder the Fremonters who were led by Little Giant legends Bob Biggs, John Lewis and Jerome Surratt. The three along with a band of fellow Little Giants were pumped up and helped the Fremonters extend their winning streak to 12 games.
Ross scored first taking a 6-0 lead with a little over three minute left in the first quarter. John Lewis scored on a seven yard run. The Big Thunder score came at the end of a 54 yard drive. The drive was started when Biggs blocked a Pioneer punt which the Little Giants recovered at their 46.
Elyria bounced back and took a 7-6 lead. The score came as the result of a Ross miscue. A bad snap from center caused the ball to skid off the fingers of Ross punter Whitcomb. He chased the ball back to the Ross right and booted it but it wound up at the Little Giants 28 yard line. Bill Hopkins scored a few plays later for the Pioneers on a 2 yard run. The PAT was good and the Lorain Countians led 7-6.
Ross scored again with less than a minute left in the half. Big Thunder scored on a five yard run. The PAT was no good and the Little Giants took a 12-7 lead into the locker room.
Second half scores by Ross were Little Thunder on a one yard run. The two point PAT was good and the purple and white were up 20-7. The final Ross TD was on a 68 yard run by John Lewis. The PAT was no good and the Little Giants were up 26-7.
For the night Jerome Surratt ran for 162 yards and John Lewis added 141. The defense led by Biggs held the Pioneers at bay.
Week eight of the 1951 season saw the unbeaten Little Giants of head coach Mal Mackey make the trip to Elyria to battle the Pioneers. A standing room only crowd of 8,000 fans jammed Ely Stadium for the contest despite the weather conditions which featured an early season snow that piled up several inches in depth on the field.
The weather did not hinder the Fremonters who were led by Little Giant legends Bob Biggs, John Lewis and Jerome Surratt. The three along with a band of fellow Little Giants were pumped up and helped the Fremonters extend their winning streak to 12 games.
Ross scored first taking a 6-0 lead with a little over three minute left in the first quarter. John Lewis scored on a seven yard run. The Big Thunder score came at the end of a 54 yard drive. The drive was started when Biggs blocked a Pioneer punt which the Little Giants recovered at their 46.
Elyria bounced back and took a 7-6 lead. The score came as the result of a Ross miscue. A bad snap from center caused the ball to skid off the fingers of Ross punter Whitcomb. He chased the ball back to the Ross right and booted it but it wound up at the Little Giants 28 yard line. Bill Hopkins scored a few plays later for the Pioneers on a 2 yard run. The PAT was good and the Lorain Countians led 7-6.
Ross scored again with less than a minute left in the half. Big Thunder scored on a five yard run. The PAT was no good and the Little Giants took a 12-7 lead into the locker room.
Second half scores by Ross were Little Thunder on a one yard run. The two point PAT was good and the purple and white were up 20-7. The final Ross TD was on a 68 yard run by John Lewis. The PAT was no good and the Little Giants were up 26-7.
For the night Jerome Surratt ran for 162 yards and John Lewis added 141. The defense led by Biggs held the Pioneers at bay.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Week seven in Ross football history....1961
ROSS 20, LORAIN SENIOR 14
Week seven of the 1961 football season saw head coach Mal Mackey and his Little Giants make the road trip to Lorain to take on the Steelmen of Lorain Senior at George Daniel Stadium. The state-ranked Little Giants had their hands full with the Gold and Brown Steelmen before winning 20-14. Mackey felt his charges were looking ahead to a league-title showdown the following week with then-powerful Marion Harding.
Junior back Jack Ziemke and Senior quarterback Guy Nufer led the purple and white to a 20-8 lead over Lorain in the first two quarters. Ziemke had a 53 yard run in the first quarter to put the Little Giants in business at the Steelmen 26. The Ross junior put the ball in the endzone from four yards out six plays later. The two point PAT was good and the Fremonters led 8-0 with 4:01 left in the first quarter.
Lorain looked as though they would strike back with a drive deep into Little Giant territory. The Steelmen bulled their way to the Ross 18 yard line. The key play in the drive was a 50 yard pass from QB Chick Breeden to Dave Van Tresca. The Steelers pushed the ball to the Ross 12 where Little Giant defender Jay Mackey snuffed out the threat by falling on a Lorain fumble.
The next Little Giant drive was 88 yards that started in the first quarter and rolled on into the second. The key plays in the drive were a 15 yard Nufer pass to end Russ Sale and a 42 yard Ziemke TD run to put the purple and white up 14-0.
The Steelers got on the board quickly after that when Breeden took the Jerome Brudzinski kickoff back 81 yards for a TD. The two point PAT was good and Lorain trailed 14-8.
Ross answered the Steeler score with a 70 yard drive that was capped by Larry Kelly bulling his way over from the four. The PAT was no good and the Little Giants went into the locker room at the half up 20-8.
The Steelmen controlled the game in the second half with the highlight being a 75 yard drive. The drive was capped by a Fred Wilson score from within the one on a fourth down play. The PAT was no good and Ross led 20-14.
For the night Ziemke had 191 yards on 19 carries. The win put the Little Giants in line to win their first Buckeye Conference crown since 1957. Ross was 4-0 in the league and 6-1 overall. The Little Giant would face Marion Harding the following week for the BC crown.
Week seven of the 1961 football season saw head coach Mal Mackey and his Little Giants make the road trip to Lorain to take on the Steelmen of Lorain Senior at George Daniel Stadium. The state-ranked Little Giants had their hands full with the Gold and Brown Steelmen before winning 20-14. Mackey felt his charges were looking ahead to a league-title showdown the following week with then-powerful Marion Harding.
Junior back Jack Ziemke and Senior quarterback Guy Nufer led the purple and white to a 20-8 lead over Lorain in the first two quarters. Ziemke had a 53 yard run in the first quarter to put the Little Giants in business at the Steelmen 26. The Ross junior put the ball in the endzone from four yards out six plays later. The two point PAT was good and the Fremonters led 8-0 with 4:01 left in the first quarter.
Lorain looked as though they would strike back with a drive deep into Little Giant territory. The Steelmen bulled their way to the Ross 18 yard line. The key play in the drive was a 50 yard pass from QB Chick Breeden to Dave Van Tresca. The Steelers pushed the ball to the Ross 12 where Little Giant defender Jay Mackey snuffed out the threat by falling on a Lorain fumble.
The next Little Giant drive was 88 yards that started in the first quarter and rolled on into the second. The key plays in the drive were a 15 yard Nufer pass to end Russ Sale and a 42 yard Ziemke TD run to put the purple and white up 14-0.
The Steelers got on the board quickly after that when Breeden took the Jerome Brudzinski kickoff back 81 yards for a TD. The two point PAT was good and Lorain trailed 14-8.
Ross answered the Steeler score with a 70 yard drive that was capped by Larry Kelly bulling his way over from the four. The PAT was no good and the Little Giants went into the locker room at the half up 20-8.
The Steelmen controlled the game in the second half with the highlight being a 75 yard drive. The drive was capped by a Fred Wilson score from within the one on a fourth down play. The PAT was no good and Ross led 20-14.
For the night Ziemke had 191 yards on 19 carries. The win put the Little Giants in line to win their first Buckeye Conference crown since 1957. Ross was 4-0 in the league and 6-1 overall. The Little Giant would face Marion Harding the following week for the BC crown.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Week six in Ross football history....1971
ELYRIA 15, ROSS 7
Week six of the 1971 football season saw one of the biggest games Harmon/Don Paul stadium has ever seen. The unbeaten and state ranked Little Giants hosted the undefeated and state ranked Pioneers of Elyria in a huge Buckeye Conference showdown. Both teams were 5-0 overall and 2-0 in the Buckeye. For Elyria coach Bill Bartons charges this was just another big game in a line of big games for the Pioneers who were a state power in the era. For the Little Giants of head coach Chuck Shuff this was the first huge game since his rebuilding effort began showing results.
The game was one of those that live up to all the hype. An overflow crowd that is still the largest to date jammed Harmon Stadium for the contest. The attendance was estimated at anywhere from 10,000 to 13,000. Remember back in those days the concession stands in the northwest corner were not there and both endzones were empty. Bleachers ringed both endzones and were full. The area in front of the old home side was full of standing room only attendees.
The names associated with this great contest are a who's who of football. Bill Barton, Chuck Shuff, Les Miles, Bob Brudzinski, Tommy Liggins, Rob Lytle, Chuck Lindsey, Ike Maxwell and more were involved with this game.
Maxwell was the star of the show as the Pioneer back had 219 yards on 30 carries. The Little Giants struck first on a Ben Lopez to Dale Shoemaker 18 yard touchdown pass. Tommy Liggins kicked the PAT and the Little Giants were on the board first with a 7-0 lead. The score was the result of a drive that started at the Pioneer 46 yard line.
Maxwell first score for the Lorain County visitors was on a three yard run in the second quarter. The tough Elyria back also carried the ball into the endzone for the two point PAT and the Pioneers led 8-7.
Four minutes later Maxwell dazzled the Harmon Stadium crowd with a 76 yard touchdown run. The PAT kick was good and Elyria went into the locker rooms at the half up 15-7.
The second half saw both teams threaten but both defenses hold. For the game the powerful Elyria defense held Fremonts talented backs mostly in check. Tom Liggins had 48 yards rushing and Rob Lytle was held to 80.
Elyria went on to win the Buckeye Conference title with a 7-0 league mark and a perfect 10-0 overall record. Many considered the '71 Pioneer football team the best ever at Elyria which is saying a lot considering the programs great history.
The tough loss was the only one of the season for the Little Giants. Ross finished second in the Buckeye at 6-1 and the Purple and White finished 9-1 overall.
Week six of the 1971 football season saw one of the biggest games Harmon/Don Paul stadium has ever seen. The unbeaten and state ranked Little Giants hosted the undefeated and state ranked Pioneers of Elyria in a huge Buckeye Conference showdown. Both teams were 5-0 overall and 2-0 in the Buckeye. For Elyria coach Bill Bartons charges this was just another big game in a line of big games for the Pioneers who were a state power in the era. For the Little Giants of head coach Chuck Shuff this was the first huge game since his rebuilding effort began showing results.
The game was one of those that live up to all the hype. An overflow crowd that is still the largest to date jammed Harmon Stadium for the contest. The attendance was estimated at anywhere from 10,000 to 13,000. Remember back in those days the concession stands in the northwest corner were not there and both endzones were empty. Bleachers ringed both endzones and were full. The area in front of the old home side was full of standing room only attendees.
The names associated with this great contest are a who's who of football. Bill Barton, Chuck Shuff, Les Miles, Bob Brudzinski, Tommy Liggins, Rob Lytle, Chuck Lindsey, Ike Maxwell and more were involved with this game.
Maxwell was the star of the show as the Pioneer back had 219 yards on 30 carries. The Little Giants struck first on a Ben Lopez to Dale Shoemaker 18 yard touchdown pass. Tommy Liggins kicked the PAT and the Little Giants were on the board first with a 7-0 lead. The score was the result of a drive that started at the Pioneer 46 yard line.
Maxwell first score for the Lorain County visitors was on a three yard run in the second quarter. The tough Elyria back also carried the ball into the endzone for the two point PAT and the Pioneers led 8-7.
Four minutes later Maxwell dazzled the Harmon Stadium crowd with a 76 yard touchdown run. The PAT kick was good and Elyria went into the locker rooms at the half up 15-7.
The second half saw both teams threaten but both defenses hold. For the game the powerful Elyria defense held Fremonts talented backs mostly in check. Tom Liggins had 48 yards rushing and Rob Lytle was held to 80.
Elyria went on to win the Buckeye Conference title with a 7-0 league mark and a perfect 10-0 overall record. Many considered the '71 Pioneer football team the best ever at Elyria which is saying a lot considering the programs great history.
The tough loss was the only one of the season for the Little Giants. Ross finished second in the Buckeye at 6-1 and the Purple and White finished 9-1 overall.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Week five in Ross football history.....1951
ROSS 19, SANDUSKY 14
Week five of the 1951 season saw the unbeaten Little Giants taking on the unbeaten and fifth ranked Blue Streaks of Sandusky. The Erie County rivals had what many thought was the best Sandusky team in 15 years. Ross had revenge on their minds as the Blue Streaks has knocked the Little Giants off in 1950 by a 29-7 count.
A record crowd to that date, over 7,000 fans, jammed Harmon Stadium for the rivalry game and they got their moneys worth. Well, the Fremonters got their moneys worth. Sandusky fans may have wanted a refund after the contest ended.
The powerful Blue Streaks took control early and rolled out to a 14-0 lead. The first Sandusky score came after a 78 yard drive. The drive was capped by a Jude Thelbert to Chuck Acierto touchdown pass of six yard. The PAT was good and the hated rivals led 7-0. With 3:26 left in the first quarter Sandusky defender Dee DeVees intercepted a Ronnie Whitcomb pass and returned it to the Ross 38. Thelbert capped the short drive with a run into the endzone and the Streaks led 14-0 at the end of one.
What would be an amazing Little Giant comeback started in the second quarter. Ross capped a 79 yard drive on a great play. Ross great John Lewis took a pitch from Whitcomb. Big Thunder then lofted a pass to Jerry Porczak in the endzone. The PAT was no good but the Little Giants had trimmed the Blue Streak lead to 14-6 which was the halftime score as well.
Legendary Little Giant coach Mal Mackey undoubtedly gave his charges a rousing halftime talk because they came out with a full head of steam in the second half. The purple and white narrowed the Blue Streak lead to 14-13 in the third quarter. Jerome "Little Thunder" Surratt capped a 78 yard drive with a 31 yard TD run.
In the fourth quarter the gritty Ross defense halted a Sandusky drive at the Little Giant 14 yard line. That's where the winning Giant drive started. Big Thunder, hampered the entire game by injuries bulled his way in from the one yard line to give the Little Giants a 19-14 lead. Mal Mackeys defense held the Blue Streaks at bay the rest of the game and the Little Giants won their ninth straight game.
Despite his injuries Lewis led all Little Giant rushers with 137 yards. Surratt wasn't far behind with 114 yards toting the ball. Thelbert led Jeff DeHavens Blue Streaks with 101 yards.
Week five of the 1951 season saw the unbeaten Little Giants taking on the unbeaten and fifth ranked Blue Streaks of Sandusky. The Erie County rivals had what many thought was the best Sandusky team in 15 years. Ross had revenge on their minds as the Blue Streaks has knocked the Little Giants off in 1950 by a 29-7 count.
A record crowd to that date, over 7,000 fans, jammed Harmon Stadium for the rivalry game and they got their moneys worth. Well, the Fremonters got their moneys worth. Sandusky fans may have wanted a refund after the contest ended.
The powerful Blue Streaks took control early and rolled out to a 14-0 lead. The first Sandusky score came after a 78 yard drive. The drive was capped by a Jude Thelbert to Chuck Acierto touchdown pass of six yard. The PAT was good and the hated rivals led 7-0. With 3:26 left in the first quarter Sandusky defender Dee DeVees intercepted a Ronnie Whitcomb pass and returned it to the Ross 38. Thelbert capped the short drive with a run into the endzone and the Streaks led 14-0 at the end of one.
What would be an amazing Little Giant comeback started in the second quarter. Ross capped a 79 yard drive on a great play. Ross great John Lewis took a pitch from Whitcomb. Big Thunder then lofted a pass to Jerry Porczak in the endzone. The PAT was no good but the Little Giants had trimmed the Blue Streak lead to 14-6 which was the halftime score as well.
Legendary Little Giant coach Mal Mackey undoubtedly gave his charges a rousing halftime talk because they came out with a full head of steam in the second half. The purple and white narrowed the Blue Streak lead to 14-13 in the third quarter. Jerome "Little Thunder" Surratt capped a 78 yard drive with a 31 yard TD run.
In the fourth quarter the gritty Ross defense halted a Sandusky drive at the Little Giant 14 yard line. That's where the winning Giant drive started. Big Thunder, hampered the entire game by injuries bulled his way in from the one yard line to give the Little Giants a 19-14 lead. Mal Mackeys defense held the Blue Streaks at bay the rest of the game and the Little Giants won their ninth straight game.
Despite his injuries Lewis led all Little Giant rushers with 137 yards. Surratt wasn't far behind with 114 yards toting the ball. Thelbert led Jeff DeHavens Blue Streaks with 101 yards.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
A great night.....a terrible night
The opening night of football play of the new Three Rivers Athletic Conference was expected to be a memorable one. Memorable yes, and one we should not ever forget.
The showcase game of the TRAC opening night took place right here in Fremont. The Don was packed with a big crowd primed to support the 3-0 Little Giants in a big battle against 3-0 league foe Toledo St. Johns. It was what many hoped would be a great night and beginning of a great era for the new league.
The game did not disappoint. A double overtime thriller that was packed with tremendous players and great plays. As in any big game the emotion of the night got to the players and in some cases on both sides, those players overreacted. The Little Giants and Titans were flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and personal fouls on a number of occasions.
There are three different guilty parties responsible for what ended up a terrible night. Those three parties are the officials, the Titans, and our Little Giants.
The officials let this game get out of their control quickly. As some people have mentioned the refs may have let the emotion and physicality of the night overwhelm them. The number of personal fouls should have been dealt with. At some point the refs should have started cracking down on the offending players. The officials do have that ability. They can eject players when personal fouls get out of control. They did not do that. At one point a referee actually pushed a Ross player on the field. The officals did such a questionable job that the forum was told by a reliable source that at the end of the game the guys in strips were told they may want to leave the field as soon as possible for their own safety.
Questionable calls by officials are always going to take place. Sometimes they will go our way, sometimes they won't. We cannot control the officials.
The St. Johns Titans were not innocent of wrongdoing Friday night. The Titans had a large number of personal fouls as well. The forum was informed by a parent of a player that Little Giant players were the subject of racial slurs hurled at them by Titan players. Our kids know these kind of things will happen. It has happened before. The kids should turn their backs and walk away from this disgusting behavior, but honestly, if I were an African American or Latino player being subjected to a racial slur, I cannot say that I would be able to walk away without responding.
After the Little Giants made it clear there would be no after-game handshake, the Titan players held a team meeting on the 50 yard line, sitting on our logo, staring into the Ross locker room. What did they hope to achieve by doing this? We can't worry about the Titans and what they did or why they did it.
And that brings up the handshake issue. After the game our Little Giants did not shake hands with their opponents. After a Saturday of phone calls and discussions with folks in the know it was determined that the referees did not tell the kids to not shake hands. What cannot be determined is if one ref told the Ross players to "stay off the field" while the Titans celebrated. A players parent informed the forum that such a statement was made and that the Little Giants took that to mean "go to your locker room".
We CAN and SHOULD be concerned about what our Little Giants do. By not shaking hands with their opponents on Friday night the boys in purple and white displayed a serious lack of class and sportsmanship. Fremont fans were outraged and had a right to be. We pride ourselves in being a class opponent and class host. Fridays actions tarnished that reputation. This is an issue that should be addressed. We expect our Little Giants to play hard, and play with emotion. What we don't want or expect are displays of poor sportsmanship and no class. We care about what happens. The folks in charge may want to get this under control before the fans stop caring. If they stop caring, they stop coming. No attendance=no revenue.
Let's not forget this past Friday night. And let's learn from it.
The showcase game of the TRAC opening night took place right here in Fremont. The Don was packed with a big crowd primed to support the 3-0 Little Giants in a big battle against 3-0 league foe Toledo St. Johns. It was what many hoped would be a great night and beginning of a great era for the new league.
The game did not disappoint. A double overtime thriller that was packed with tremendous players and great plays. As in any big game the emotion of the night got to the players and in some cases on both sides, those players overreacted. The Little Giants and Titans were flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and personal fouls on a number of occasions.
There are three different guilty parties responsible for what ended up a terrible night. Those three parties are the officials, the Titans, and our Little Giants.
The officials let this game get out of their control quickly. As some people have mentioned the refs may have let the emotion and physicality of the night overwhelm them. The number of personal fouls should have been dealt with. At some point the refs should have started cracking down on the offending players. The officials do have that ability. They can eject players when personal fouls get out of control. They did not do that. At one point a referee actually pushed a Ross player on the field. The officals did such a questionable job that the forum was told by a reliable source that at the end of the game the guys in strips were told they may want to leave the field as soon as possible for their own safety.
Questionable calls by officials are always going to take place. Sometimes they will go our way, sometimes they won't. We cannot control the officials.
The St. Johns Titans were not innocent of wrongdoing Friday night. The Titans had a large number of personal fouls as well. The forum was informed by a parent of a player that Little Giant players were the subject of racial slurs hurled at them by Titan players. Our kids know these kind of things will happen. It has happened before. The kids should turn their backs and walk away from this disgusting behavior, but honestly, if I were an African American or Latino player being subjected to a racial slur, I cannot say that I would be able to walk away without responding.
After the Little Giants made it clear there would be no after-game handshake, the Titan players held a team meeting on the 50 yard line, sitting on our logo, staring into the Ross locker room. What did they hope to achieve by doing this? We can't worry about the Titans and what they did or why they did it.
And that brings up the handshake issue. After the game our Little Giants did not shake hands with their opponents. After a Saturday of phone calls and discussions with folks in the know it was determined that the referees did not tell the kids to not shake hands. What cannot be determined is if one ref told the Ross players to "stay off the field" while the Titans celebrated. A players parent informed the forum that such a statement was made and that the Little Giants took that to mean "go to your locker room".
We CAN and SHOULD be concerned about what our Little Giants do. By not shaking hands with their opponents on Friday night the boys in purple and white displayed a serious lack of class and sportsmanship. Fremont fans were outraged and had a right to be. We pride ourselves in being a class opponent and class host. Fridays actions tarnished that reputation. This is an issue that should be addressed. We expect our Little Giants to play hard, and play with emotion. What we don't want or expect are displays of poor sportsmanship and no class. We care about what happens. The folks in charge may want to get this under control before the fans stop caring. If they stop caring, they stop coming. No attendance=no revenue.
Let's not forget this past Friday night. And let's learn from it.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Week four in Ross football history....1971
ROSS 43, LORAIN ADMIRAL KING 6
Week four of the 1971 football season saw the undefeated Little Giants take to the road for the first time that year. The purple and white made the trip to George Daniel Stadium in Lorain to take on Buckeye Conference foe Admiral King.
The first conference tilt of the '71 campaign had the large Fremont crowd that made the trip east uneasy for the first half as Ross was only able to put six points on the board before the bands took the field. Those points were scored when Little Giant workhorse Tom Liggins bulled his way into the endzone from the one yard line with 7:37 left in the half. The TD capped an eight play, 60 yard drive. The PAT failed but Ross was able to keep the Admirals out of the endzone and took that 6-0 lead into the locker rooms at the midway point of the game. Admiral King did threaten in the first half, making it to the Ross 16 yard line, but the powerful Little Giant defense clamped down and stopped the AK offense from moving any further.
The second half was all Ross as the Little Giants moved up and down the field and the defense stymied the Admirals every time they touched the ball. Ross took the second half kickoff and moved 56 yard down the field in seven plays. Rob Lytle capped that second drive with a six yard TD run. Lytle also scored the two point conversion and the rout was on. The next Ross scoring drive was a four play 75 yard effort that started with an 11 yard Ben Lopez to Bob Brudzinski pass play. The drive was capped by a 30 yard touchdown run by Tom Liggins.
Rob Lytle had two more TD runs on the night. One was a three yard jaunt that ended a seven play, 45 yard drive. The next was a four yard TD run that came at the end of six play, 46 yard drive.
Chuck Lindsey also scored for Ross. His score came on a 13 yard run after Dave Mierke had recovered an Admiral fumble at their 32 yard line.
For the night Rob Lytle carried the ball 24 times for 172 yards. Tom Liggins toted the ball 21 times for 97 yards.
With the win the state-ranked Little Giants moved to 1-0 in the Buckeye Conference and 4-0 on the season. The win was the first for Ross over Admiral King since the Lorain school joined the Buckeye.
Week four of the 1971 football season saw the undefeated Little Giants take to the road for the first time that year. The purple and white made the trip to George Daniel Stadium in Lorain to take on Buckeye Conference foe Admiral King.
The first conference tilt of the '71 campaign had the large Fremont crowd that made the trip east uneasy for the first half as Ross was only able to put six points on the board before the bands took the field. Those points were scored when Little Giant workhorse Tom Liggins bulled his way into the endzone from the one yard line with 7:37 left in the half. The TD capped an eight play, 60 yard drive. The PAT failed but Ross was able to keep the Admirals out of the endzone and took that 6-0 lead into the locker rooms at the midway point of the game. Admiral King did threaten in the first half, making it to the Ross 16 yard line, but the powerful Little Giant defense clamped down and stopped the AK offense from moving any further.
The second half was all Ross as the Little Giants moved up and down the field and the defense stymied the Admirals every time they touched the ball. Ross took the second half kickoff and moved 56 yard down the field in seven plays. Rob Lytle capped that second drive with a six yard TD run. Lytle also scored the two point conversion and the rout was on. The next Ross scoring drive was a four play 75 yard effort that started with an 11 yard Ben Lopez to Bob Brudzinski pass play. The drive was capped by a 30 yard touchdown run by Tom Liggins.
Rob Lytle had two more TD runs on the night. One was a three yard jaunt that ended a seven play, 45 yard drive. The next was a four yard TD run that came at the end of six play, 46 yard drive.
Chuck Lindsey also scored for Ross. His score came on a 13 yard run after Dave Mierke had recovered an Admiral fumble at their 32 yard line.
For the night Rob Lytle carried the ball 24 times for 172 yards. Tom Liggins toted the ball 21 times for 97 yards.
With the win the state-ranked Little Giants moved to 1-0 in the Buckeye Conference and 4-0 on the season. The win was the first for Ross over Admiral King since the Lorain school joined the Buckeye.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Week three in Ross football history....1941
ROSS 27, FOSTORIA 0
Week three of the 1941 football season saw the Little Giants travel to Fostoria for a Buckeye League contest against the Redmen. Ross handed Fostoria a 27-0 loss, the worst defeat a Fremont team handed one from Fostoria in a number of years to that point.
The Purple and White scored on four long offensive drives, the shortest of which was 37 yards.
Ross was led by team captain Bob Hall along with Ed Fox and Jim Wisbon. The three of them headed up a Little Giant offense that scored on drives of 64, 59, 47 and 37 yards. Fostoria meantime had just one scoring opportunity which came as a result of a Little Giant fumble on their own 41. Fostoria drove to the Ross 12 but their drive was snuffed out by an interception by Elmer Nickle.
Ross almost scored a fifth TD very late in the contest when Lantz block a Redmen punt and The Little Giants took over in Fostoria territory. The drive stalled however, and the game ended 27-0 in the Fremonters favor.
Week three of the 1941 football season saw the Little Giants travel to Fostoria for a Buckeye League contest against the Redmen. Ross handed Fostoria a 27-0 loss, the worst defeat a Fremont team handed one from Fostoria in a number of years to that point.
The Purple and White scored on four long offensive drives, the shortest of which was 37 yards.
Ross was led by team captain Bob Hall along with Ed Fox and Jim Wisbon. The three of them headed up a Little Giant offense that scored on drives of 64, 59, 47 and 37 yards. Fostoria meantime had just one scoring opportunity which came as a result of a Little Giant fumble on their own 41. Fostoria drove to the Ross 12 but their drive was snuffed out by an interception by Elmer Nickle.
Ross almost scored a fifth TD very late in the contest when Lantz block a Redmen punt and The Little Giants took over in Fostoria territory. The drive stalled however, and the game ended 27-0 in the Fremonters favor.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Week two in Ross football history...1951
ROSS 14, LORAIN SENIOR 7
Week two of the 1951 football season saw The Little Giants take their 1-0 record on the road to battle the tough Steelmen of Lorain Senior.
A capacity crowd of nearly 7,000 fans filled the stadium in Lorain to watch the two team battle. Ross was led by two types of thunder on the warm September night. John(Big Thunder) Lewis, and Jerome(Little Thunder)Surratt led a determined Ross offense that gave the Little Giants their second-ever win over Lorain and first victory over the Steelers in 31 years.
Lewis got the Little Giants on the board midway through the first quarter. Big Thunder bulled his way over the goal line from five yards out capping a 60 yard drive. Ronnie Whitcomb kicked the extra point and the Fremonters out in front. The score remained 7-0 Ross at the half.
Lorain proved their ability to put points on the board in the third quarter. The Steelemen capped a long 83 yard drive when quarterback Dan Jones pitched to end JimDick on a six yard scoring drive. The Steelemen made the all-important PAT and the game was tied 7-7.
The two teams defensive units battled the potent offensive units of the other side throughout the second half. The Little Giant D, led by Bob Biggs made some clutch defensive stops. Biggs stops Lorains Lavon McCall for a 14 yard loss at one point to stop the Steel-city crew from scoring.
The game was 7-7 at the end of three quarters and remained that way well into the fourth quarter until Ross unleashed more thunder.
The second bout of thunder unleashed on Lorain came in the form of lightening-quick speedster Jerome Surratt. Little Thunder dashed into the end zone on a left end run of nine yards with just 54 second to go in the game to put Ross up 13-7. Whitcombs PAT kick put the purple and white up by the winning margin and the Little Giant defense made sure the Steelmen were bottled up for the rest of the game.
John Lewis led Ross running for 167 yards. Surratt complimented that effort by rushing for 84 more. The Little Giants outgained the Steelemen for the night 242 total yards to just 107. The purple and white attemped just six passed, completing one. Lorain attempted 22 passes, completing 9. The win put the Fremonters record at 2-0 and primed the way for the next three big games of the 1951 season against rivals Fostoria, Findlay and Sandusky.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Week one in Ross football history....1971
ROSS 52, TOLEDO ROGERS 6
The 1971 edition of Chuck Shuffs Little Giants opened the season with a home contest against the Rams of Toledo Rogers. Rogers had knocked off the purple and white in the opening game of the 1970 season 29-13. The Little Giants and their fans knew that Ross was a stronger team going into the '71 campaign that what they saw in 1970 when the season record was 5-4-1. In a preseason scrimmage Ross knocked off Warren Harding, the team that would go on to claim the 1971 title.
The Rams held the Little Giants at bay in the first quarter as neither team crossed the goal line. The Rams were the first team to hit paydirt, taking a 6-0 lead on a one yard TD run by junior back Rich Garmon. That appeared to wake up the Little Giants as they did not allow the Rams past the midfield strip the rest of the night.
Ross meantime shook off the first game sluggishness and roared up and down the field led by a 160 yard performance by senior back Tommy Liggins. Led by Liggins, Rob Lytle and Chuck Lindsey, the Ross offense blew threw the Rams for a total of 440 yards on the night, 348 of them on the ground.
Liggins who had a sore ankle going into the contest carried the ball 16 times in gaining his 160 yards. Lytle carried the ball 9 times for 71 yards, while Lindsey carried the ball five times for a total of 65 yards.
Liggins was replaced by Tom Pitts in the third quarter and kept the offense moving. The powerful Ross offensive machine was aided by a tremendous defensive effort led by Don Moore and Bob Brudzinski.
The win was the first opening season victor for the Little Giants since the 1967 season.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Thank you Rob Lytle
My obsession with Fremont Ross football began on a long ago night at Harmon Stadium. The year was 1969 and the Little Giants were in a rebuilding phase under head coach Chuck Shuff. Ross had fallen on hard times after legendary head coach Mal Mackey had retired after the 1966 season. Shuff took on the job of rebuilding the Little Giants in 1968 after a very brief one year stint with John Behling as the head man in 1967. That October night in '69 saw the Little Giants get one of only two wins that year 24-22 over Mansfield Senior.
I was hooked. I wanted to go to every game and soon enough that would become reality. Everyone I knew, family and friends, talked about the Little Giants. In the next few years names like Shuff, Liggins, Lopez, Lindsay, Burkett, Brudzinski and yes Lytle, were what folks talked about.
Rob Lytle was the first truely great football player I had the opportunity to watch. He and Bob Brudzinski headlined a great 1972 Ross football team that went 9-1, and in this fans opinion was one of the best Little Giant squads I have seen, and still is to this day. Watching Rob run through and around opposing teams defenses was a thing of beauty. Watching him lead his Little Giant teams to big wins over Sandusky was a special treat.
When Rob moved on to the University of Michigan, we Fremonters had even more reason to gloat. That great player who we had the opportunity to watch for three years was now showing the entire country his talents. He came in third in the Heisman voting his Senior year in Ann Arbor and in this totally biased fans opinion should have won the trophy.
Injuries hampered Rob during his years as a professional player with the Denver Broncos but still watching him play on Sunday afternoons was special. He was one of two Fremonters, two All-Americans who had moved onto the professional ranks. Little Giant fans had reason to be proud.
What Rob did after his time in the NFL was even more special. You see, he came home. How many guys who "make it big" leave their high school hometowns in their past? How many of them move on to bigger and better things? Well for Rob Lytle, the bigger and better thing was coming home to Fremont.
Rob came home and contributed to the life of this community. He and Tracey became involved with Fremont. They worked with the schools, the kids, and more. They were, and are role models for what great community citizens should be. And all the while they were busy raising a family.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tracey, Kelly, Erin and the entire Lytle family at this very difficult time. We hope they know that this community is grateful for being able to share the life and times of Rob Lytle with them. Thank you for that opportunity. And thank you Rob. You will never be forgotten.
I was hooked. I wanted to go to every game and soon enough that would become reality. Everyone I knew, family and friends, talked about the Little Giants. In the next few years names like Shuff, Liggins, Lopez, Lindsay, Burkett, Brudzinski and yes Lytle, were what folks talked about.
Rob Lytle was the first truely great football player I had the opportunity to watch. He and Bob Brudzinski headlined a great 1972 Ross football team that went 9-1, and in this fans opinion was one of the best Little Giant squads I have seen, and still is to this day. Watching Rob run through and around opposing teams defenses was a thing of beauty. Watching him lead his Little Giant teams to big wins over Sandusky was a special treat.
When Rob moved on to the University of Michigan, we Fremonters had even more reason to gloat. That great player who we had the opportunity to watch for three years was now showing the entire country his talents. He came in third in the Heisman voting his Senior year in Ann Arbor and in this totally biased fans opinion should have won the trophy.
Injuries hampered Rob during his years as a professional player with the Denver Broncos but still watching him play on Sunday afternoons was special. He was one of two Fremonters, two All-Americans who had moved onto the professional ranks. Little Giant fans had reason to be proud.
What Rob did after his time in the NFL was even more special. You see, he came home. How many guys who "make it big" leave their high school hometowns in their past? How many of them move on to bigger and better things? Well for Rob Lytle, the bigger and better thing was coming home to Fremont.
Rob came home and contributed to the life of this community. He and Tracey became involved with Fremont. They worked with the schools, the kids, and more. They were, and are role models for what great community citizens should be. And all the while they were busy raising a family.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tracey, Kelly, Erin and the entire Lytle family at this very difficult time. We hope they know that this community is grateful for being able to share the life and times of Rob Lytle with them. Thank you for that opportunity. And thank you Rob. You will never be forgotten.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
2010 football final thoughts
RANDOM FINAL THOUGHTS ON 2010
During the spring and summer months leading up to this season there were some questions about what the 2010 campaign would bring.
Would the Little Giants be able to overcome the off field, personality, and "me" issue that were behind the collapse of the 2009 season?
Would this years senior class be true leaders?
Would the Little Giants finish better than .500?
Was there any way in heck this team could make the playoffs?
What we fans couldn't know, and wouldn't know until the season got underway, the players already knew. Those issues that bedeviled the 2009 season were dead and buried. This team, these kids, wanted to win, wanted a conference title and were hell bent on making the playoffs. Their mantra for this season mocked the fans. 2-8 WHAT.. became their battle cry. That was a saying that I am more than happy to have waved in my face this November.
My first opportunity to catch the 2010 edition of the Little Giants was in the preseason scrimmage against Toledo Waite. As I sat there watching the purple and white roll over the Indians 35-0 in two quarters of football I thought to myself, "maybe this year won't be so bad after all".
The opener against Toledo Start had me thinking that this team would need to open it up more to beat the big boys. Sure we won, but "was this it?". We found out in week two that no way, no how was what we saw at Spartan Stadium "it". Coach Kidwell and his Little Giants stepped it up bigtime and knocked off a powerful team in future TRAC member Toledo Whitmer.
That win over Whitmer was a statement. Unfortunately it went to the heads of many. Fans and players were certain that the following weeks opponent from Tiffin Columbian would be no match for the Little Giants. If we beat Whitmer, a team that handled the Tornadoes 35-6 in week one, imagine what we were going to do to Columbian. "Tiffin Columbian better be worried" was a thread posted on the forum. Sitting at Frost-Kalnow before the opening kickoff I could hear Ross fans saying much the same thing. Problem was, no one passed that message along to Tiffin. The Tornadoes came into the game fired up and manhandled an overconfident squad of Fremonters. A lesson was learned that night. Just because you beat team A who beat team B, does not mean you too will beat team B.
Along came week four and we traveled to Metro Cleveland for our first and only road game against Benedictine. The Bengals, a team that the Little Giants had little success against in 16 previous meetings, had not started the season well. We had seen this before however, and many Fremonters were worried that the "Benny block" would once again strike. As we sat in beautiful Bearcat Stadium in Bedford on a gorgeous fall night it quickly became evident that the hold Benedictine had over Ross was coming to an end. The Little Giants rolled out to a 28-0 halftime lead and never looked back in burying the Bengals and the "Benny block" by a 47-7 score.
Ross was 4-1 as the final GBC season began with a road trip to our old rivals in Findlay. With three backs running wild over the Trojans the Little Giants held off a late Findlay charge to get some revenge by a 43-35 score and a leg up in the GBC race.
Tough wins over Marion Harding, Napoleon and Lima Senior followed keeping the Little Giants atop the Greater Buckeye. At 8-1 overall and 4-0 in the GBC Ross was on the doorstep of winning the final GBC title outright and making the playoffs. Only one team, one thing, stood in our way...Sandusky. The Blue Streaks were having their best season in some years and came into the Don a 3-1 in the conference, 6-3 overall. A Blue Streak win would give them a share of the league crown. A playoff berth, their first since 1990, was a possibility as well.
The week leading up to the 105th meeting between the two old rivals saw the most excitement for the series in some time in both communities. Rallys and bonfires took place before the game in both Fremont and Sandusky. The chatter on the Ross forum, and others, was quite colorful and energetic. The old fires of the great old rivalry were being rekindled and fans from both schools looked forward to the game on Friday night.
The largest crowd to witness a Ross-Sandusky game in years filled Don Paul Stadium on October 29th. It was good to see so many folks in blue and white on the visitors side. The turnout by Sandusky was matched by a large and vocal home crowd that was loud the entire game. In the end the Little Giants got revenge on the Blue Streaks for 2009. Ross won 21-7 and took the final Greater Buckeye Conference title outright. Both teams qualified for the postseason.
The Little Giants fell to Toledo St. Johns in the first round of the postseason despite a furious second half comeback attempt. I was so proud of the huge turnout of Fremont Ross fans in numbers and voice at Doyt Perry Stadium. Our first win in the playoffs since 1983 will have to wait for another year. It will come.
This 2010 season could not have been possible without the great leadership of a Senior class that was determined to wipe away the memories 2009. They came together, united, and wiped away the "me first" attitude that was our downfall in '09.
What will 2011 bring? Plenty of excitement that is for sure. Our first year in the Three Rivers Athletic Conference. A week one contest at Sandusky. A team with lots of returning talent. The future of Fremont Ross football looks bright. We have a talented, committed coach, assistants, an involved community and fan base. Let's build on the lessons learned before this 2010 campaign and use them to make 2011 even better.
To the team, coaches and all involved in making 2010 so successful. THANK YOU. We fans appreciate your hard work and effort. To the Seniors who helped make 2010 what is was, GOOD LUCK. To the kids coming back...WORK HARD, LIFT HARD, GET READY FOR 2011. We'll be there to support you.
GO ROSS...Now and always!
During the spring and summer months leading up to this season there were some questions about what the 2010 campaign would bring.
Would the Little Giants be able to overcome the off field, personality, and "me" issue that were behind the collapse of the 2009 season?
Would this years senior class be true leaders?
Would the Little Giants finish better than .500?
Was there any way in heck this team could make the playoffs?
What we fans couldn't know, and wouldn't know until the season got underway, the players already knew. Those issues that bedeviled the 2009 season were dead and buried. This team, these kids, wanted to win, wanted a conference title and were hell bent on making the playoffs. Their mantra for this season mocked the fans. 2-8 WHAT.. became their battle cry. That was a saying that I am more than happy to have waved in my face this November.
My first opportunity to catch the 2010 edition of the Little Giants was in the preseason scrimmage against Toledo Waite. As I sat there watching the purple and white roll over the Indians 35-0 in two quarters of football I thought to myself, "maybe this year won't be so bad after all".
The opener against Toledo Start had me thinking that this team would need to open it up more to beat the big boys. Sure we won, but "was this it?". We found out in week two that no way, no how was what we saw at Spartan Stadium "it". Coach Kidwell and his Little Giants stepped it up bigtime and knocked off a powerful team in future TRAC member Toledo Whitmer.
That win over Whitmer was a statement. Unfortunately it went to the heads of many. Fans and players were certain that the following weeks opponent from Tiffin Columbian would be no match for the Little Giants. If we beat Whitmer, a team that handled the Tornadoes 35-6 in week one, imagine what we were going to do to Columbian. "Tiffin Columbian better be worried" was a thread posted on the forum. Sitting at Frost-Kalnow before the opening kickoff I could hear Ross fans saying much the same thing. Problem was, no one passed that message along to Tiffin. The Tornadoes came into the game fired up and manhandled an overconfident squad of Fremonters. A lesson was learned that night. Just because you beat team A who beat team B, does not mean you too will beat team B.
Along came week four and we traveled to Metro Cleveland for our first and only road game against Benedictine. The Bengals, a team that the Little Giants had little success against in 16 previous meetings, had not started the season well. We had seen this before however, and many Fremonters were worried that the "Benny block" would once again strike. As we sat in beautiful Bearcat Stadium in Bedford on a gorgeous fall night it quickly became evident that the hold Benedictine had over Ross was coming to an end. The Little Giants rolled out to a 28-0 halftime lead and never looked back in burying the Bengals and the "Benny block" by a 47-7 score.
Ross was 4-1 as the final GBC season began with a road trip to our old rivals in Findlay. With three backs running wild over the Trojans the Little Giants held off a late Findlay charge to get some revenge by a 43-35 score and a leg up in the GBC race.
Tough wins over Marion Harding, Napoleon and Lima Senior followed keeping the Little Giants atop the Greater Buckeye. At 8-1 overall and 4-0 in the GBC Ross was on the doorstep of winning the final GBC title outright and making the playoffs. Only one team, one thing, stood in our way...Sandusky. The Blue Streaks were having their best season in some years and came into the Don a 3-1 in the conference, 6-3 overall. A Blue Streak win would give them a share of the league crown. A playoff berth, their first since 1990, was a possibility as well.
The week leading up to the 105th meeting between the two old rivals saw the most excitement for the series in some time in both communities. Rallys and bonfires took place before the game in both Fremont and Sandusky. The chatter on the Ross forum, and others, was quite colorful and energetic. The old fires of the great old rivalry were being rekindled and fans from both schools looked forward to the game on Friday night.
The largest crowd to witness a Ross-Sandusky game in years filled Don Paul Stadium on October 29th. It was good to see so many folks in blue and white on the visitors side. The turnout by Sandusky was matched by a large and vocal home crowd that was loud the entire game. In the end the Little Giants got revenge on the Blue Streaks for 2009. Ross won 21-7 and took the final Greater Buckeye Conference title outright. Both teams qualified for the postseason.
The Little Giants fell to Toledo St. Johns in the first round of the postseason despite a furious second half comeback attempt. I was so proud of the huge turnout of Fremont Ross fans in numbers and voice at Doyt Perry Stadium. Our first win in the playoffs since 1983 will have to wait for another year. It will come.
This 2010 season could not have been possible without the great leadership of a Senior class that was determined to wipe away the memories 2009. They came together, united, and wiped away the "me first" attitude that was our downfall in '09.
What will 2011 bring? Plenty of excitement that is for sure. Our first year in the Three Rivers Athletic Conference. A week one contest at Sandusky. A team with lots of returning talent. The future of Fremont Ross football looks bright. We have a talented, committed coach, assistants, an involved community and fan base. Let's build on the lessons learned before this 2010 campaign and use them to make 2011 even better.
To the team, coaches and all involved in making 2010 so successful. THANK YOU. We fans appreciate your hard work and effort. To the Seniors who helped make 2010 what is was, GOOD LUCK. To the kids coming back...WORK HARD, LIFT HARD, GET READY FOR 2011. We'll be there to support you.
GO ROSS...Now and always!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Sunday morning thoughts...11/7/10
A HOLE TOO DEEP
That sums it up when it comes to last nights 45-35 playoff loss to Toledo St. Johns. Good teams take advantage of mistakes and that is what the Titans did last night in the first half. Our Little Giants dug themselves into a hole too deep and we simply could not crawl out of it.
Make no mistake, this team tried with all the heart and grit that they could muster. The Little Giants never gave up and fought back pulling to within striking distance of the Jesuits, but it was not to be. 39-29 and 45-35 deficits were as close as we could get. I just keep thinking if we had made that two point conversion after pulling to within 45-35 and it was 45-37 then maybe, just maybe..... But then if we had not dug ourselves into a hole too deep in the first half all the "maybe" , and "what if" talk would be for naught as we would be playing in week 12.
My player of the game would have to be young Tyler Wolf. That young man carried his team on his back in the second half. Tyler tried hard to rebound from the first half mistakes to bring his team back. The young man would not quit. Even when he went down and appeared to limp off the field he would not be stopped. After one play on the sidelines he was back on the field fighting hard to bring his team back. We Little Giant fans are fortunate that this young man will be leading our team for the next two years. But he is not alone. Fremont Ross has a load of talent coming back and coming up. We will be ready for the TRAC battles to come.
But last night was not just Tyler Wolf. The entire team fought hard. No one gave up, no one gave in. Brown, Reffner, Stout, Miranda, Moreno, Starks, Trautwein, McDonald, and more. They ALL fought hard all night long. You could see it on the sidelines. These Little Giants did not want their season to end. They did not get down, they did not give up, but the hole which we dug ourselves into was just a little too deep to get out of.
I am not one to question the officials. But there were some calls and noncalls last night that made me shake my head. Some fans sitting around me were a bit more vocal in their opinions on the officiating. If I were St. Johns head coach Pearson, I would be having a very frank discussion with one particular player about his attitude. Talk about the "spoiled rich kid" stereotype.
In our week 10 victory over Sandusky I was impressed by Fremont Ross fans. Well last night at Doyt Perry Stadium the folks in purple and white were simply put..AMAZING. Fremonters came in droves to BG to support the Little Giants. Thousands of Little Giant fans poured into the east side of the Doyt, easily outnumbering the Titan fans who didn't even fill one section of the home side. And just like their team, the Little Giant fans did not get down when we fell behind. Simply put, Fremont Ross has the very best fan base in Northwest Ohio and we prove it every week.
I hesitate to ask this but the question is there. Is there a Fremont Ross playoff hex? We have a tremendous football tradition, no one can deny that. But if we are honest with ourselves something happens when we get into the postseason. What is it?
So this 2010 season is now in the books. Thoughts on the season as a whole will be coming soon. But it is never too early to look to 2011.
BEAT SANDUSKY.
That sums it up when it comes to last nights 45-35 playoff loss to Toledo St. Johns. Good teams take advantage of mistakes and that is what the Titans did last night in the first half. Our Little Giants dug themselves into a hole too deep and we simply could not crawl out of it.
Make no mistake, this team tried with all the heart and grit that they could muster. The Little Giants never gave up and fought back pulling to within striking distance of the Jesuits, but it was not to be. 39-29 and 45-35 deficits were as close as we could get. I just keep thinking if we had made that two point conversion after pulling to within 45-35 and it was 45-37 then maybe, just maybe..... But then if we had not dug ourselves into a hole too deep in the first half all the "maybe" , and "what if" talk would be for naught as we would be playing in week 12.
My player of the game would have to be young Tyler Wolf. That young man carried his team on his back in the second half. Tyler tried hard to rebound from the first half mistakes to bring his team back. The young man would not quit. Even when he went down and appeared to limp off the field he would not be stopped. After one play on the sidelines he was back on the field fighting hard to bring his team back. We Little Giant fans are fortunate that this young man will be leading our team for the next two years. But he is not alone. Fremont Ross has a load of talent coming back and coming up. We will be ready for the TRAC battles to come.
But last night was not just Tyler Wolf. The entire team fought hard. No one gave up, no one gave in. Brown, Reffner, Stout, Miranda, Moreno, Starks, Trautwein, McDonald, and more. They ALL fought hard all night long. You could see it on the sidelines. These Little Giants did not want their season to end. They did not get down, they did not give up, but the hole which we dug ourselves into was just a little too deep to get out of.
I am not one to question the officials. But there were some calls and noncalls last night that made me shake my head. Some fans sitting around me were a bit more vocal in their opinions on the officiating. If I were St. Johns head coach Pearson, I would be having a very frank discussion with one particular player about his attitude. Talk about the "spoiled rich kid" stereotype.
In our week 10 victory over Sandusky I was impressed by Fremont Ross fans. Well last night at Doyt Perry Stadium the folks in purple and white were simply put..AMAZING. Fremonters came in droves to BG to support the Little Giants. Thousands of Little Giant fans poured into the east side of the Doyt, easily outnumbering the Titan fans who didn't even fill one section of the home side. And just like their team, the Little Giant fans did not get down when we fell behind. Simply put, Fremont Ross has the very best fan base in Northwest Ohio and we prove it every week.
I hesitate to ask this but the question is there. Is there a Fremont Ross playoff hex? We have a tremendous football tradition, no one can deny that. But if we are honest with ourselves something happens when we get into the postseason. What is it?
So this 2010 season is now in the books. Thoughts on the season as a whole will be coming soon. But it is never too early to look to 2011.
BEAT SANDUSKY.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Saturday morning thoughts...10/30/10
JUST A GREAT NIGHT
Last nights 21-7 victory over Sandusky was a great playoff-atmosphere win before a big, loud crowd that brought back memories of the glory days of this old rivalry.
The Little Giants survived a whole lot of turnovers to win this game. Fortunately, Sandusky had their share of turnovers as well. It hurt them a bit more than ours hurt us.
Kudos to Tylor Trautwein for winning the running back showdown with Mr. Strickland. Tylor didn't just win it, he trounced Strickland. This after we heard all week how we were not going to be able to stop the Sandusky back. Granted Strickland got a little over 100 yards but Tylor doubled that and then some. That 76 yard TD run was a thing of beauty.
The Little Giant defense did a good job slowing the good Sandusky offense. Again, we heard all week how Sandusky was going to run and pass all over the Little Giants. Some Sandy fans were predicting wins by 34-0 scores and more. Yea, not so much.
What a good crowd! Sure it wasn't the "call the fire marshal" crowds of 10 or 11,000 of days gone by but there was lots of folks standing in the endzones. Kudos to fans from both programs but especially our Little Giants fans. One request...BRING THAT ENERGY INTO NEXT WEEKS PLAYOFF GAME! I was so proud of Fremont fans last night. And how about the marriage proposal on the scoreboard. The happy couple were sitting right in front of me.. Good luck to you two.
The Marching Little Giants did a great job last night too. Our band, which has been the target of some critics this season for not being involved, were into the game last night which was good to see. Kudos to Ms. Lewis and Co.
Now it is on the the playoffs. Our sixth playoff appearance overall and first since 2006. It looks as though we will be facing Toledo St. Johns. Home or away is yet to be determined but who cares where it will be? TEAM, FANS, BAND, COMMUNITY....WE'LL BE THERE.
2010 checklist....
Beat Toledo Whitmer....CHECK
Beat Cleveland Benedictine....CHECK
Beat Findlay....CHECK
Beat Napoleon....CHECK
Beat Sandusky....CHECK
Win the GBC title....CHECK
Qualify for the playoffs....CHECK
Now there is just one thing left...
Feel that weight? It's real heavy. What is it?
That weight is a HUGE monkey on our back. He's wearing a sweater with the word PLAYOFFS emblazoned on the front. We need to get that big ol monkey off our backs. We can do that by WINNING in the postseason. No matter who we play. No matter where it is. AS A COMMUNITY, A FAMILY let's go into the playoffs next Saturday night with a head of steam AND WIN!!
Last nights 21-7 victory over Sandusky was a great playoff-atmosphere win before a big, loud crowd that brought back memories of the glory days of this old rivalry.
The Little Giants survived a whole lot of turnovers to win this game. Fortunately, Sandusky had their share of turnovers as well. It hurt them a bit more than ours hurt us.
Kudos to Tylor Trautwein for winning the running back showdown with Mr. Strickland. Tylor didn't just win it, he trounced Strickland. This after we heard all week how we were not going to be able to stop the Sandusky back. Granted Strickland got a little over 100 yards but Tylor doubled that and then some. That 76 yard TD run was a thing of beauty.
The Little Giant defense did a good job slowing the good Sandusky offense. Again, we heard all week how Sandusky was going to run and pass all over the Little Giants. Some Sandy fans were predicting wins by 34-0 scores and more. Yea, not so much.
What a good crowd! Sure it wasn't the "call the fire marshal" crowds of 10 or 11,000 of days gone by but there was lots of folks standing in the endzones. Kudos to fans from both programs but especially our Little Giants fans. One request...BRING THAT ENERGY INTO NEXT WEEKS PLAYOFF GAME! I was so proud of Fremont fans last night. And how about the marriage proposal on the scoreboard. The happy couple were sitting right in front of me.. Good luck to you two.
The Marching Little Giants did a great job last night too. Our band, which has been the target of some critics this season for not being involved, were into the game last night which was good to see. Kudos to Ms. Lewis and Co.
Now it is on the the playoffs. Our sixth playoff appearance overall and first since 2006. It looks as though we will be facing Toledo St. Johns. Home or away is yet to be determined but who cares where it will be? TEAM, FANS, BAND, COMMUNITY....WE'LL BE THERE.
2010 checklist....
Beat Toledo Whitmer....CHECK
Beat Cleveland Benedictine....CHECK
Beat Findlay....CHECK
Beat Napoleon....CHECK
Beat Sandusky....CHECK
Win the GBC title....CHECK
Qualify for the playoffs....CHECK
Now there is just one thing left...
Feel that weight? It's real heavy. What is it?
That weight is a HUGE monkey on our back. He's wearing a sweater with the word PLAYOFFS emblazoned on the front. We need to get that big ol monkey off our backs. We can do that by WINNING in the postseason. No matter who we play. No matter where it is. AS A COMMUNITY, A FAMILY let's go into the playoffs next Saturday night with a head of steam AND WIN!!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Let's do this together!
"The Sandusky rivalry isn't relevant anymore."
"The kids look at Findlay as our big rival now."
"Only you old fogies think Sandusky is our big rival anymore"
Maybe those thoughts, which have been expressed by folks on the forum and elsewhere have been true in recent years. But definitely not this year.
This Friday night the younger folks in Fremont get to experience what this historic rivalry means, and why. We "old fogies" meantime get to sit back and watch as the kids come to understand what the fuss is all about.
They'll come to understand why we talk about the back to back 7-0 wins in 1983.
They'll come to understand the meaning of the 28-27 win in 1969.
They'll understand our stories about the big, standing room only, sellout crowds.
They'll get it when they hear us talk about spirit jugs and outhouses on the front lawn at Ross High.
They'll get it when we talk about Mal Mackey vs. Earle Bruce.
They'll get it when the really old ones among us talk about Thanksgiving Day games.
...and more
This old rivalry that was born in 1895 and has lived through two world wars, a depression, and more, may have fallen asleep in recent times but comes to life again this Friday night. Its an opportunity for we old fogies to join our youngsters in supporting the Little Giants as they battle our historic rivals. Grey hairs and wrinkles joining youth and vigor in yelling ourselves hoarse as we make it clear to our opponents from Erie County that we are one. A family and community dressed in purple and white ,together with one purpose in mind.
Old and young, together as one Fremont. Little Giant fans united. Lets do this together.
BEAT SANDUSKY!
"The kids look at Findlay as our big rival now."
"Only you old fogies think Sandusky is our big rival anymore"
Maybe those thoughts, which have been expressed by folks on the forum and elsewhere have been true in recent years. But definitely not this year.
This Friday night the younger folks in Fremont get to experience what this historic rivalry means, and why. We "old fogies" meantime get to sit back and watch as the kids come to understand what the fuss is all about.
They'll come to understand why we talk about the back to back 7-0 wins in 1983.
They'll come to understand the meaning of the 28-27 win in 1969.
They'll understand our stories about the big, standing room only, sellout crowds.
They'll get it when they hear us talk about spirit jugs and outhouses on the front lawn at Ross High.
They'll get it when we talk about Mal Mackey vs. Earle Bruce.
They'll get it when the really old ones among us talk about Thanksgiving Day games.
...and more
This old rivalry that was born in 1895 and has lived through two world wars, a depression, and more, may have fallen asleep in recent times but comes to life again this Friday night. Its an opportunity for we old fogies to join our youngsters in supporting the Little Giants as they battle our historic rivals. Grey hairs and wrinkles joining youth and vigor in yelling ourselves hoarse as we make it clear to our opponents from Erie County that we are one. A family and community dressed in purple and white ,together with one purpose in mind.
Old and young, together as one Fremont. Little Giant fans united. Lets do this together.
BEAT SANDUSKY!
Monday, October 25, 2010
This week in Ross football history....1980
ROSS 7
SANDUSKY 0
The tenth week of the 1980 season saw the Little Giants hosting arch-rival Sandusky in a Buckeye Conference showdown at Harmon Stadium. Ross was 5-0 in the Buckeye and 8-1 on the season.
The game was a typical Fremont Ross-Sandusky defensive battle that was the norm for the era. The Little Giant defense was tough all night allowing the Blue Streaks just 72 yards of offense, all on the ground for the entire game. The Sandusky defense was almost as stout, allowing the purple and white to score just once.
The Little Giants scored on their fourth offensive posession of the night. Eric Bates punched it in from six yards out to put Ross up 6-0. Bates followed the blocking of Shawn Simms, Scott Manahan, and Bill Hicks over the left side to put Ross in the lead. Greg Bobay made the extra point kick and that was all the scoring that the Fremonters would need to win the game.
The Ross scoring drive was helped out by QB Mike Eichers 23 yard run on a first and 22 situation at the Little Giant 48 yard line. The Eicher run gave Ross the ball deep in Sandusky territory. Two plays later Bates followed his wall of blockers and put it in.
Sandusky had their scoring chances. The Streaks recovered a Fremont fumble and were threatening at the Ross 29 yard line. The Little Giant D however would have none of it and stuffed the boys in blue and white. Little Giant defender Dennis Murray had two key tackles against the Streaks in the offensive series for eight yards in losses.
When Sandusky went to the airways to try to move the ball Ross star Tony Gant was there to intercept three of Blue Streak QB Craig Cliffs passes. Gant had picks at the Ross 40, nine and 23 yard lines.
The win over the Blue Streaks gave the Little Giants their first Buckeye Conference title since 1976 season. Ross finished 6-0 in the BC and 9-1 overall, their best overall mark since finishing 9-0-1 in 1974. Sandusky finished the season at 8-2.
Eric Bates finished the night with 27 carries for 91 yards. That put him at 1,025 yards for the season.
SANDUSKY 0
The tenth week of the 1980 season saw the Little Giants hosting arch-rival Sandusky in a Buckeye Conference showdown at Harmon Stadium. Ross was 5-0 in the Buckeye and 8-1 on the season.
The game was a typical Fremont Ross-Sandusky defensive battle that was the norm for the era. The Little Giant defense was tough all night allowing the Blue Streaks just 72 yards of offense, all on the ground for the entire game. The Sandusky defense was almost as stout, allowing the purple and white to score just once.
The Little Giants scored on their fourth offensive posession of the night. Eric Bates punched it in from six yards out to put Ross up 6-0. Bates followed the blocking of Shawn Simms, Scott Manahan, and Bill Hicks over the left side to put Ross in the lead. Greg Bobay made the extra point kick and that was all the scoring that the Fremonters would need to win the game.
The Ross scoring drive was helped out by QB Mike Eichers 23 yard run on a first and 22 situation at the Little Giant 48 yard line. The Eicher run gave Ross the ball deep in Sandusky territory. Two plays later Bates followed his wall of blockers and put it in.
Sandusky had their scoring chances. The Streaks recovered a Fremont fumble and were threatening at the Ross 29 yard line. The Little Giant D however would have none of it and stuffed the boys in blue and white. Little Giant defender Dennis Murray had two key tackles against the Streaks in the offensive series for eight yards in losses.
When Sandusky went to the airways to try to move the ball Ross star Tony Gant was there to intercept three of Blue Streak QB Craig Cliffs passes. Gant had picks at the Ross 40, nine and 23 yard lines.
The win over the Blue Streaks gave the Little Giants their first Buckeye Conference title since 1976 season. Ross finished 6-0 in the BC and 9-1 overall, their best overall mark since finishing 9-0-1 in 1974. Sandusky finished the season at 8-2.
Eric Bates finished the night with 27 carries for 91 yards. That put him at 1,025 yards for the season.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Saturday morning thoughts....week nine edition..the abbreviated edition from my desk at work.
CONDITIONING
Simply put, the team that was in better shape won last night.
As last nights 28-3 win over a cocky Lima Senior squad wore on it was evident that the Little Giants were wearing the Spartans down. That kind of thing does not just happen. It's the result of a good strength and conditiong program. The kind of strength program we now have thanks to assistant coach Mike Lento.
Once again the defense did a great job. Lima was stopped by the Little Giant defense several times on key third and fourth down situations. Our defense has really stepped it up this year and the coaching staff deserves a ton of credit for their hard work in addressing this issue.
Tyler Wolf was 11 of 17 for 160 yards and two touchdowns last night. Tylor Trautwein continued his great season with 150 yards on 29 carries. It appears that the injury bug that plagued us for the last few games is for the most part gone. That is great to see headed into week 10.
I thought Limas players showed absolutely no class as they entered the field last night. Some of the Spartans were taunting the Little Giants to the point where the officials had to step in between the two teams. How'd that work out for you Lima?
Now it's on to week 10 against a rival that some say doesn't matter anymore. Sandusky comes into next weeks game with a lot on the line. The Streaks are 3-1 in the GBC and 6-3 overall. A win by Sandy would give them a tie for the conference title and clinch a playoff game. Let's make sure that doesn't happen.
BEAT SANDUSKY!!!!
Simply put, the team that was in better shape won last night.
As last nights 28-3 win over a cocky Lima Senior squad wore on it was evident that the Little Giants were wearing the Spartans down. That kind of thing does not just happen. It's the result of a good strength and conditiong program. The kind of strength program we now have thanks to assistant coach Mike Lento.
Once again the defense did a great job. Lima was stopped by the Little Giant defense several times on key third and fourth down situations. Our defense has really stepped it up this year and the coaching staff deserves a ton of credit for their hard work in addressing this issue.
Tyler Wolf was 11 of 17 for 160 yards and two touchdowns last night. Tylor Trautwein continued his great season with 150 yards on 29 carries. It appears that the injury bug that plagued us for the last few games is for the most part gone. That is great to see headed into week 10.
I thought Limas players showed absolutely no class as they entered the field last night. Some of the Spartans were taunting the Little Giants to the point where the officials had to step in between the two teams. How'd that work out for you Lima?
Now it's on to week 10 against a rival that some say doesn't matter anymore. Sandusky comes into next weeks game with a lot on the line. The Streaks are 3-1 in the GBC and 6-3 overall. A win by Sandy would give them a tie for the conference title and clinch a playoff game. Let's make sure that doesn't happen.
BEAT SANDUSKY!!!!
Monday, October 18, 2010
This week in Ross football history...1970
ROSS 14
ELYRIA 7
Week nine of the 1980 season saw the Little Giants hosting the Pioneers of Elyria. The 1960's were a decade of football excellence for Elyria and the '70 editon of the Pioneers was no different. Elyria was a defensive power allowing just 43 points in the first eight games of the 1970 campaign as they posted a 6-2 record coming into Harmon Stadium to face the Little Giants.
Ross meantime had slumped to 4-4 on the season after rolling out to a 4-1 mark after the first five games. The Little Giants limped into the game against Elyria losers of three in a row. Findlay, Lorain Senior and arch-rival Sandusky had pushed the purple and white back down to the .500 mark.
The Pioneers struck first. The vaunted Elyria defense put the points on the board three minutes into the game on a 42 yard fumble recovery. Rick Nelson picked up the Little Giants bobble and ran the ball into the end zone with 9:43 left to go in the first. The PAT was good and the Pioneers led 7-0.
Ross proved they too, could capitalize on mistakes. Rob Lytle recovered a ball that both Elyria deep receivers bobbled on a punt which gave the Little Giants the ball at the Pioneer 28 yard line. Tom Liggins bulled his way into the Red and Whites endzone seven plays later for the first of his two TD's. Bill Burkett ran in the two point PAT and the Little Giants led the powerful Pioneers 8-7.
Ted Kreilick then recovered an Elyria fumble on the Ross 14 yard line as the second quarter ticked away and the Little Giants went into the locker room at the half with that one point lead.
The second half saw a tremendous defensive effort, but not by the Pioneers. The Little Giants held Elyria to just one first down and a total of 20 yards in the second half. The Ross offense ran over the Pioneers with Tommy Liggins leading the way. Liggins scored on a 34 yard TD run to put Ross up 14-7. The extra point attempt failed and the scored remained 14-7.
While the scoring was done, the Ross offense was not. Ross ate up the clock on a long drive that started at their own three and ended at the Pioneer 19 chewing up 1o minutes of time and keeping the ball out of the hands of the Elyria offense. The Little Giants drive stalled and Ross was forced to punt. The Pioneers were running out of time and were forced to go to the air to try to come back. That proved a mistake as Little Giant defender Mike Ruland intercepted a Pioneer pass and returned it to the Elyria 40 where he fumbled the ball and they recovered the ball. That would be the final play of the game however. With four seconds left the game erupted into a fistfight that emptied both benches and required school officials, coaches, stadium officials and Fremont police to bring things under control. The officials ended the contest by sending both teams to their locker rooms and the Little Giants moved to 5-4 on the season with a 14-7 win.
For the game Tommy Liggins led all rushers with 124 yards. Bill Burkett added 75 yards for Ross in the contest. For the game the Little Giants offense ground out 218 yards while holding the powerful Pioneers to a total of 100.
ELYRIA 7
Week nine of the 1980 season saw the Little Giants hosting the Pioneers of Elyria. The 1960's were a decade of football excellence for Elyria and the '70 editon of the Pioneers was no different. Elyria was a defensive power allowing just 43 points in the first eight games of the 1970 campaign as they posted a 6-2 record coming into Harmon Stadium to face the Little Giants.
Ross meantime had slumped to 4-4 on the season after rolling out to a 4-1 mark after the first five games. The Little Giants limped into the game against Elyria losers of three in a row. Findlay, Lorain Senior and arch-rival Sandusky had pushed the purple and white back down to the .500 mark.
The Pioneers struck first. The vaunted Elyria defense put the points on the board three minutes into the game on a 42 yard fumble recovery. Rick Nelson picked up the Little Giants bobble and ran the ball into the end zone with 9:43 left to go in the first. The PAT was good and the Pioneers led 7-0.
Ross proved they too, could capitalize on mistakes. Rob Lytle recovered a ball that both Elyria deep receivers bobbled on a punt which gave the Little Giants the ball at the Pioneer 28 yard line. Tom Liggins bulled his way into the Red and Whites endzone seven plays later for the first of his two TD's. Bill Burkett ran in the two point PAT and the Little Giants led the powerful Pioneers 8-7.
Ted Kreilick then recovered an Elyria fumble on the Ross 14 yard line as the second quarter ticked away and the Little Giants went into the locker room at the half with that one point lead.
The second half saw a tremendous defensive effort, but not by the Pioneers. The Little Giants held Elyria to just one first down and a total of 20 yards in the second half. The Ross offense ran over the Pioneers with Tommy Liggins leading the way. Liggins scored on a 34 yard TD run to put Ross up 14-7. The extra point attempt failed and the scored remained 14-7.
While the scoring was done, the Ross offense was not. Ross ate up the clock on a long drive that started at their own three and ended at the Pioneer 19 chewing up 1o minutes of time and keeping the ball out of the hands of the Elyria offense. The Little Giants drive stalled and Ross was forced to punt. The Pioneers were running out of time and were forced to go to the air to try to come back. That proved a mistake as Little Giant defender Mike Ruland intercepted a Pioneer pass and returned it to the Elyria 40 where he fumbled the ball and they recovered the ball. That would be the final play of the game however. With four seconds left the game erupted into a fistfight that emptied both benches and required school officials, coaches, stadium officials and Fremont police to bring things under control. The officials ended the contest by sending both teams to their locker rooms and the Little Giants moved to 5-4 on the season with a 14-7 win.
For the game Tommy Liggins led all rushers with 124 yards. Bill Burkett added 75 yards for Ross in the contest. For the game the Little Giants offense ground out 218 yards while holding the powerful Pioneers to a total of 100.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Saturday morning thoughts, 10/16/10
TAKE 'EM ONE AT A TIME
Sure Napoleon had lost to Lima Senior in double overtime last week 27-20. Sure, the Wildcats may have been ranked higher in the AP poll than some of us thought they deserved to be if that antiquated poll holds any water anymore anyway.
But it's still Napoleon.
Yearly in the preseason we read and hear that the Wildcats numbers are down. We hear that they lost a lot from the previous season. We hear that Napoleon won't be as good as they were in seasons past. Some folks fall for that kind of talk.
But it's still Napoleon.
Last night our Little Giants faced the same kind of Napoloeon team we face year in and year out. Well coached, well disciplined, hard nosed kids who come out and play hard, every play, every down. They don't get down if they fall behind because they know they will be in the game at the end. And that's where they were last night.
But at the end those hard-nosed, disciplined kids ran into a Fremont Ross football team that refused to give in. The Little Giant offense struck first in an easy drive to take a 7-0 lead. But the Wildcats refused to be rattled and battled back to tie the score at 7-7.
That's when another hard nosed group of young men took over and refused to lose. That group was the Ross defense. Ross stopped Napoleon in the Ross red zone and led by a Drew Starks pick six, the D gave the Little Giants a 14-7 halftime lead.
In the second half the Ross defense was on the field more than they should have been but held the Wildcats on all but one drive. The 'Cats used that drive to tie the score and force the game into OT. At that point our kids looked tired. Could they stop Napoleon in OT?
Ross got the ball first and sputtered a bit before Wolf hit Drew Starks with a 20 yard pass to the Napoleon 5. Two plays later Tylor Trautwein bulled his way in to put Ross up 20-14. Gabe Tayar hit the PAT and it was 21-14 Ross.
Apparently that three plus minute rest the Little Giant defense had between the end of regulation and taking the field after the score was all that was needed. A pumped up defensive unit hit the field and stymied Napoleon forcing them into a 4th and 9 situation from the 19. Once again, Starks was there to bat down a pass ending the game.
The Little Giants are now 3-0 in the final season of the Greater Buckeye Conference and 7-1 overall. It's all out there for this team and it's fans. A GBC title, and a playoff berth. But we cannot, we must not look beyond Lima Senior. The Spartans are a much better team than their record indicates. Remember this. Lima has never beaten Fremont Ross in football.....ever. Coach Darnell Collins will have his kids ready next Friday night. The Little Giants and their fans must be ready too. No looking ahead, no big heads.
TAKE 'EM ONE AT A TIME.
Sure Napoleon had lost to Lima Senior in double overtime last week 27-20. Sure, the Wildcats may have been ranked higher in the AP poll than some of us thought they deserved to be if that antiquated poll holds any water anymore anyway.
But it's still Napoleon.
Yearly in the preseason we read and hear that the Wildcats numbers are down. We hear that they lost a lot from the previous season. We hear that Napoleon won't be as good as they were in seasons past. Some folks fall for that kind of talk.
But it's still Napoleon.
Last night our Little Giants faced the same kind of Napoloeon team we face year in and year out. Well coached, well disciplined, hard nosed kids who come out and play hard, every play, every down. They don't get down if they fall behind because they know they will be in the game at the end. And that's where they were last night.
But at the end those hard-nosed, disciplined kids ran into a Fremont Ross football team that refused to give in. The Little Giant offense struck first in an easy drive to take a 7-0 lead. But the Wildcats refused to be rattled and battled back to tie the score at 7-7.
That's when another hard nosed group of young men took over and refused to lose. That group was the Ross defense. Ross stopped Napoleon in the Ross red zone and led by a Drew Starks pick six, the D gave the Little Giants a 14-7 halftime lead.
In the second half the Ross defense was on the field more than they should have been but held the Wildcats on all but one drive. The 'Cats used that drive to tie the score and force the game into OT. At that point our kids looked tired. Could they stop Napoleon in OT?
Ross got the ball first and sputtered a bit before Wolf hit Drew Starks with a 20 yard pass to the Napoleon 5. Two plays later Tylor Trautwein bulled his way in to put Ross up 20-14. Gabe Tayar hit the PAT and it was 21-14 Ross.
Apparently that three plus minute rest the Little Giant defense had between the end of regulation and taking the field after the score was all that was needed. A pumped up defensive unit hit the field and stymied Napoleon forcing them into a 4th and 9 situation from the 19. Once again, Starks was there to bat down a pass ending the game.
The Little Giants are now 3-0 in the final season of the Greater Buckeye Conference and 7-1 overall. It's all out there for this team and it's fans. A GBC title, and a playoff berth. But we cannot, we must not look beyond Lima Senior. The Spartans are a much better team than their record indicates. Remember this. Lima has never beaten Fremont Ross in football.....ever. Coach Darnell Collins will have his kids ready next Friday night. The Little Giants and their fans must be ready too. No looking ahead, no big heads.
TAKE 'EM ONE AT A TIME.
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