MINFORD — Minford entered Friday's contest after first round exits in each of the last two seasons' playoff appearances. Ridgewood, for the third year in a row made the trip from West Lafayette to Scioto County to take on one of the SOC's premier teams, after going home empty-handed each of the last two trips.

Something had to give and, unfortunately for the home team, it was Ridgewood that broke its streak.

The Generals racked up 250 yards on the ground and turned three Falcon turnovers into 14 points to leave the county with a 36-10 victory in the first round of the Division V, Region 19 playoffs.

"Turnovers determine playoff (games)," Minford coach Brent Daniels said. "They always do. They determine every ball game. We had more turnovers than them and they took advantage because they're a very good football team."

The third-seeded Falcons forced one turnover when sophomore Tyler Gaines stepped in front of a third down pass by Kevin Davis to set Minford up at the Ridgewod 16 in a 7-7 game. The Falcons, however, managed just seven yards and had to settle for a 26-yard field goal by Jake Hackorth.

On the third play of the ensuing possession, Jake Conrad took a direct-snap 60 yards for a score which would give Ridgewood its first lead, and only one it would need.

"We had a couple chances but we got it in the red zone and could only get three points out of it," Daniels said. "It would have been nice to get those seven points to get us a little cushion and maybe some momentum going into halftime. It just didn't work out that way."

Conrad rushed for 15 times for 117 yards and four scores to lead all players. His coach believes the senior back lived up to his nickname "Boobie Miles," in honor of the star player in the movie "Friday Night Lights."

"I thought our running game was outstanding," Ridgewood head coach John Slusser said. "We spread the ball around and did a good job. Boobie was good again. I though he was really good tonight. He looked like the Boobie as old and did a nice job."

Mark Slone led the Falcons on the ground with 74 yards on 10 carries. Gaines added 65 yards on eight totes while Ray Bryan rushed for 41 yards and the Falcons' only touchdown, which came on the team's first possession on the night.

Five Generals had at least five carries on the night, helping the team to keep Minford's defense off balance without throwing a single pass in the second half.

That had been the recipe for Ridgewood, which improved to 11-0 with the win. Daniels believes they're worthy of the perfect mark and thinks they could be playing for a few more weeks.

"They're a very fast football team and they had multiple weapons," he said. "It was hard to keep them all contained every play. They got a couple big plays and built some momentum on us. I expect to see them down the road possibly playing for the (regional) chapmionship."

While big things may lie ahead for the Generals, Slusser just wanted to savor the moment.

"The third time was a charm," he said. "It was a charm. I tell you, the Minford people are first class. The whole time, they treated us well. It's a nice place. This was the best atmosphere we've been in this year. It was loud, so loud."

Those fans, whom Daniels thanked in interviews with the Portsmouth Daily Times multiple times this season, got to see off a group of 13 seniors who gave them plenty to cheer about the last four years.

"I just think this is one of the best senior classes we've had come through," Daniels said. "They're a good group of kids. They led and showed the younger kids what it takes to be winners. I can't say enough about my senior class and am just as proud as can be of them."

That group, which includes Oesch, Bryan, defensive back Josh Graham and linemen Matt Gilliam and Nicholas Kimble finished their football careers at Minford with an outright SOC title and three-consecutive playoff appearances to their credit.

The Generals move on to face an Oak Hill team which handled Coal Grove on Friday in Jackson County.



CHRIS DUNHAM can be reached at chrisdunhamjr@aol.com.

Ridgewood 7 8 14 7 — 36

Minford 7 3 0 0 — 10

SCORING SUMMARY

First Quarter

M — Bryan 3 run (Hackworth kick) 8:24

R — Conrad 12 run (McQuiston kick) 1:35

Second Quarter

M — Hackworth 26 field goal 9:00

R — Conrad 60 run (pass good) 7:26

Third Quarter

R — Landis 8 run (McQuiston kick) 9:16

R — Conrad 2 run (McQuiston kick) 4:40

Fourth Quarter

R — Conrad 4 run (McQuiston kick) 10:17

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING — Ridgewood; Conrad 15-117, Landis 9-50, Bellik 6-47, Wiggins 5-18, Lingo 6-17, McVay 2-1. Totals 43-250. Minford; Slone 10-74, Gaines 8-65, Bryan 8-41, Oesch 7-22, Piguet 1-0. Totals 34-202.

PASSING — Ridgewood; Davis 1-2-1 5, Conrad 1-2-0 14. Minford; Oesch 9-15-0 50.

RECEIVING — Ridgewood; McVay 1-14, Bates 1-5. Minford; McKnight 6-25, Slone 1-15, Gaines 1-6, Bryan 1-5.

Records — Ridgewood 11-0, Minford 8-3