Archbold Falls to Liberty Center in Titanic Clash of Unbeatens
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Bfd8SQ5UaoSZ8uNv8
For the first time in the NWOAL since 1988, two teams met in the final game of the regular season with unblemished 9-0 records when the Archbold Blue Streaks traveled to Liberty Center to face the Tigers for the league championship of Friday night. As they did 38 years ago, Liberty Center defeated Archbold, this time 42-10 to grab the title, their fifth consecutive in the NWOAL, to go along with their 55th consecutive regular season win.
The Tigers, defending OHSAA Division V football state champions, took an early 14-3 lead on two Jack Badenhop to Jaxton Lawniczak touchdown passes of 41 and 42 yards, countered only by a 23-yard Blue Streak field goal in between. Garrison Kruse put LC on top 21-3 with a three-yard run in the second quarter and Archbold responded with a long drive ending with a three-yard Maddox Pinter to Morgan Harris score with 18 second remaining in the half to pull within 21-10.
However, Ethan Gray ran back the second half kickoff 98 yards and, after a Tiger defensive hold, Kruse took a first down snap 78 yards to the house and Liberty Center was suddenly up 35-10 before a lot of fans had even returned to their seats. The Blue Streak offense was never able to recover and a late fourth quarter touchdown ended the 42-10 Tiger victory.
Both teams not only qualified for the OHSAA Playoffs but they also received first-round byes and a second-round home game. Archbold (Division V), will host the winner of Bluffton (8-2) and Creston Norwayne (6-4). Liberty Center (Division VI), will host the winner of Paulding (8-2) and Harrod Allen East (7-3).
Click to access photos from the game. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncounthmedia.com website.
