The Miami Trace Panthers remain undefeated on the season after their 42-7 win over the winless McClain Tigers Friday night.
The first half was overshadowed by penalties for the Panthers as they were responsible for 14 penalties for 140 yards, but besides the penalties they were able to rack up 251 total yards in the half. It was a balanced attack as standout running back Jayden LeBeau and wide receiver Josh Gilmore each found the end zone twice. LeBeau had scoring runs of 9 and 46 yards and Gilmore had touchdown receptions of 56 and 57. McClain was able to find the goal line late in the first half as freshman running back Andrew Potts caught an 18 yard touchdown pass from freshman quarterback Drake Stapleton. That was the Tigers only score of the night.
The Miami Trace defense, despite all the penalties played lights out defense, giving up 77 total yards in the first half and 144 for the entire game. They also forced two turnovers.
McClain showed signs of what’s to come in the future as some of their younger players proved they belong on the field. Freshman QB Drake Stapleton completed 7-17 passes for 89 yards and a touchdown and tough freshman running back Andrew Potts finished with 66 yards rushing on 16 carries.
But the Panther offense was too much for the young defense as Miami Trace racked up 426 total yards, 225 on the ground and 201 through the air. Gilmore led the way with 191 yards receiving and two touchdowns, LeBeau had 144 yards rushing and two TD’s and senior Matthew Haddox finished with 6 carries for 55 yards and a fourth quarter touchdown. Quarterback Weston Melvin and Josh Gilmore were the Buckeye Country players of the game as Melvin was 8-11 for 201 yards and 2 scores.
Miami Trace travels to Jackson next week in the battle of the unbeaten streak as the Ironmen defeated Washington Court House Friday night. Buckeye Country air time will be 6:40pm with a 7pm kickoff.