Whitehall earns share of title, playoff spot
Whitehall entered its game at London on Friday night with ample motivation.
On the line was a share of the Mid-State League Ohio Division title, along with a spot in the Division II playoffs. The Rams responded with a solid effort in a 22-14 win.
Whitehall (7-3, 4-1), which has won five consecutive games, earned a share of the title with London and Columbus Academy. The Rams are projected to finish third in their region.
London (8-2, 4-1) had already secured a spot in the Division IV playoffs.
Whitehall quarterback Raymell Byrd rushed for 111 yards and scored all three touchdowns.
“We’ve come a long way since week one against Watterson (a 41-6 loss),” Whitehall coach Rod Lightfoot said. “We’ve learned a lot about each other and we learned how to play together since the (Columbus) Academy game (a 31-14 loss). It’s been a five-game season since the Academy game.
“Luckily our goals were still intact, to get a piece of the MSL championship and go to week 11. Our kids responded to what we’re doing as a program.”
London running back K.J. Price, who entered the game with 2,229 rushing yards, was limited to 46 in the first half and finished with 134.
London took advantage of a Whitehall fumble on its first play from scrimmage. Red Raiders quarterback Josh Handley then connected with Joey Dulin for an 8-yard touchdown pass.
The Rams answered on their next possession, highlighted by a pair of trick plays, including running back Rasheed Muhammad’s 6-yard touchdown pass to Byrd for a tie at 7 with 6:24 left in the first quarter.
Whitehall regained control to begin the second half as Byrd capped a 53-yard drive with a 12-yard touchdown run for a 14-7 lead.
The Rams added to their lead on their next possession. Byrd scored on an 8-yard run and Joshua Travis recovered a fumble in the end zone for a two-point conversion and 22-7 lead.
London closed to 22-14 on its next possession on Price’s 42-yard run, but could not get closer.
“Our guys play with a great competitive spirit, that’s what we preach,” London coach Kyle Cutler said. “That was a great football game between two really good teams. That’s what a conference title should be all about. It would be nice to have it outright, but we have to split it. We’re moving on and we’re looking to the postseason.” Cole Silvestri took part in all five offensive touchdowns for DeSales (6-4, 2-1), which thumped visiting Watterson (2-8, 1-2) in a CCL Silver game. Silvestri, who rushed for two touchdowns, started a 34-0 run with a 53-yard TD pass to Ty Van Fossen. Van Fossen also had a 37-yard fumble return for a touchdown. Silvestri finished with 161 yards passing and 51 yards rushing, and Brian Asamoah led DeSales with 99 yards on the ground.