Quick start isn't enough as Shaw falls to Tiffin Columbian, 37-12

SANDUSKY, Ohio -- Shaw coach Rodney Brown had lots to say after Friday's Division II regional semifinal loss to Tiffin Columbian. However, very little was about his own team.

SANDUSKY, Ohio -- Shaw coach Rodney Brown had lots to say after Friday's Division II regional semifinal loss to Tiffin Columbian.

However, very little was about his own team.

The Cardinals, who overcame a 2-3 start to the season to make the playoffs and then pulled a huge opening-round upset last week over defending state champion Maple Heights, couldn't overcome themselves at Cedar Point Stadium, losing to Columbian by a 37-12 margin.

"All praise and credit goes to that group over there," said Brown, pointing at the celebrating Tornadoes. "We didn't play very well, but that's because of them. They did it to us."

How bad was it? Four turnovers, several mishandled snaps from center, and seven penalties for starters. The final indignation came midway through the final quarter when Shaw was forced to punt deep in its own territory only to have the ball sail over the punter's head and out of the end zone for a safety.

"I can't explain all the turnovers," Brown said. "I can't play for them. But I don't want to take anything away from [Columbian]. They played a great game."

Defensively, the Cardinals achieved their game plan. The Tornadoes entered the game with the reputation of a power running team, with tailback Jack Jacoby gaining nearly 1,300 yards and 20 touchdowns, while averaging better than 5 yards per carry.

Shaw held Jacoby to 95 yards on 29 carries, and 41 yards came on one run. Jacoby did score twice on short runs in the first half, but overall the running attack was contained.

"You have to give so much credit to the quarterback [Ben Davis]," Brown said. "He did a great job and he took a lot of hits, especially after he threw the ball. We decided to focus on stopping the run and take our chances with their passing game, and their QB just played great."

Davis threw touchdown passes of 95, four and 13 yards to Jonah Boyer, who had seven catches for 170 yards. The first scoring pass broke the game open, giving the Tornadoes a 21-6 lead while completely changing the game's momentum.

The Cardinals found the end zone first, with quarterback William Woods hitting Da'Vonte Price with a beautiful long pass for a 42-yard scoring strike for a 6-0 lead.

That was wiped out by a 21-point second quarter from the Tornadoes, who benefited from two interceptions by Woods, one on the Columbian 1. Three times in the first half the Cardinals got deep into enemy territory but came away with no points.

Woods had an inconsistent game. He gained 101 yards on 14 carries and had scoring passes of 42 yards to Price and 69 yards to Jacob King. However, he completed just four of 14 passes for 120 yards, was intercepted twice and lost two fumbles.

Joe Magill is a freelance writer from Cleveland

Source: http://highschoolsports.cleveland.com/news/article/-803708057405334766

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