Jim Copes | PHOTO

The Ohio Crush finish their season undefeated as they overpower the Spartans to win the OFL Title.

The Ohio Crush defeated the North Conference Champs Strabane Spartans 43-0 in what looked to be a short game due to inclement weather Saturday evening at Centerville High School.

Considered to be the Buffalo Bills of semi-pro football, the Crush were able to win a dominating fashion.

Crush head coach Tony Martin speaks on what this win means for the Crush organization.

“This is huge for the organization. The guys built this from the ground up and we just really felt an obligation to finish this.”

Martin went on to say, “This is the fourth time this team has been to a championship game and we weren’t going to shy away from success. Woody and those guys have put so much into this and brought me in and trusted me.”

In the first half, the Crush got off to a slower start than usual.

The offense tried to find their rhythm majority of the first quarter, while the defense kept the Spartans offense in check.

The Crush defense applied heavy pressure on the Spartans quarterback forcing him to scramble and make unnecessary plays.

Then, late in the first quarter Crush linebacker James Ross jumps the route and grabs an interception, returning a 29-yard touchdown.

That made the score 7-0 with 4:12 left in the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter, Crush defensive lineman Lester Robinson recorded his second sack of the half that forced the Spartans to punt on 4th and 52 eventually leading to a safety.

The Crush took a 9-0 lead with 13:56 in the half.

With the Crush run game coming alive, led by Dereke Acosta and Tramell Hayes eventually opens up the passing game.

Quarterback Jon Mason finds Robert Redd in the back of the end zone for an 8-yard touchdown and the Crush go up 15-0 with 15 seconds left before the half.

Coming out of halftime, the game was two minutes into the third quarter before it was delayed due to inclement weather, but the game resumed two hours later.

The Crush defense came up huge not allowing the Spartans to score in the second half.

On the other side, the Crush offense was able to take care of business.

Tramell Hayes managed a one- yard touchdown that gave the Crush a commanding 22-0 lead.

Later, safety Josh Brown records the Crush’s second interception putting the offense back on the field.

On what seemed to be a shaky night for Lamar Taborn, he makes up for it by reeling in a 30-yard touchdown pass from Mason on 4th& 5.

The weather delay had no effect on the Crush’s play as they dominated the second half, scoring 28 straight points and forcing two turnovers.

This championship has been a long time coming for the Crush who ends the season with a perfect record of 13-0.

The Crush will go into the offseason looking to hopefully get an invite to nationals in Florida.

Coach Martin shares his thoughts on nationals.

“I’ve had the chance to go down as a player as well as a coach to win it and it’s a very special thing. It’s something these guys worked real hard for and I think they’ll be rewarded with an invite.”

First Group 2x2
First Group 2x2
Local News

Stories on people, places, events and businesses right here in Western Clark County.

Local Government

Meetings and news from local Boards of Education, Township Trustees and County Commissioners.

Sports

Arrows, Bees & Warriors; we cover all local high school sports, as well as local semi-pro and adult leagues