Pittsburgh, PA – For the first time in team history, a trophy is coming back to Columbus, Ohio.
The No.1-ranked Buckeyes defeated Coppin State 35-0 on Nov. 16 to win the Mid-Atlantic Conference title and advance to the 2019 NCFA Semifinals.
Both offenses struggled in the first half, however the Ohio State defense forced three first-half turnovers, highlighted by a diving interception by senior safety KC Cress which set up an Ohio State field goal.
Two first quarter field goals by senior Alex Strohm gave the Buckeyes a 6-0 lead after the opening frame, a score that was doubled when junior running back Bernard Banaga found the end zone from five yards out late in the second quarter. After the extra point was missed, Ohio State took a 12-0 lead into halftime.
Ohio State’s offense found its footing with big plays in the passing game and physical running game. Junior running back Madu Eneli carried 11 times for 41 yards and a second half score, sophomore running back Ryan Scianna collected nine carries for 45 yards while Banaga added 13. Sophomore quarterback Kellyn Gerenstein completed passes of 54, 37 and 30 yards on the day and finished with 231 yards through the air on 12-of-26 passing, adding a score both through the air and on the ground. He finished with 45 yards rushing on seven carries.
Junior wide receiver De’Shawn White finished with four receptions for 110 yards, while freshman Casey Scroggins caught a career-high five passes for 66 yards. Senior Geoff Green caught Gerenstein’s lone touchdown pass, taking a screen 17-yards to the end zone. He finished with three receptions for 55 yards.
The second half also featured a safety for the Buckeye defense as defensive tackle Chase Gasser broke through the Coppin State offensive line to bring down the tailback in the end zone for two points. Linebackers Dierre Blash and Justin Cook each forced a fumble, both of which were recovered by the Buckeyes.
On the season, Ohio State’s defense alone has outscored its opponents 26-24.
Ohio State (7-0) is now set to travel to Cornelius, N.C. to take on Columbus (GA) State (8-1) in the NCFA semifinals. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. at William Amos Hough High School.
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