Wheelersburg Battled, But Liberty Center Was Too Strong in the OHSAA Div. V State Final

CANTON - The Liberty Center Tigers kept the ball on the ground as they have all year long in a 35-3 victory over the Wheelersburg Pirates in the OHSAA Div. V State Championship.

Wheelersburg's Braylon Rucker (QB) rolls out to pass as Liberty Center's Jaxton Lawniczak gives chase.

Wheelersburg and Liberty Center both entered this game with a perfect 14-0 record. But these teams shared different paths to Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

Wheelersburg entered this game with a story to tell. All season long; the Pirates heard the chatter and predictions that they were going to lose before this game. But they refused to listen to the noise after they continued to put together wins and advance through the playoffs.

Liberty Center on the other hand was destined for this game. The Tigers entered the OHSAA Div. V State Championship game for the third straight season with the two previous seasons ending in a loss. But with the return of the dynamic duo running backs, Garrison Kruse and Thomas Mohler, and Ohio State Commit Kellen Wymer, the Tigers were predicted by many to walk away this season with the State Championship Trophy.

The OHSAA Div. V State Championship was the final game of the season for the entire State of Ohio as they were set to kickoff at 7:30 PM.

Both teams began this game with quick offensive possessions as they each ended in a punt. On Liberty Center's second possession, they drove the ball down the field with their iconic Wing T style of offense. They capped off their drive with a Thomas Mohler touchdown up the middle to give the Tigers a 7-0 lead.

Wheelersburg continued to struggle on offense as Liberty Center added another touchdown shortly after to increase their lead to 14-0. This touchdown was scored by Jaxton Lawniczak (#18). After falling down two touchdowns, Wheelersburg finally got on the scoreboard with a 45-yard FG by Cooper Heimbach.

Liberty Center countered and added another touchdown before halftime with a pass from Kaden Kreinbrink to Jaxton Lawniczak. This gave the Tigers a 21-3 lead at halftime.

The second half was more of the same story as Liberty Center added two more touchdowns. Both of these scores came by way of Garrison Kruse on the ground. Wheelersburg showed some life early in the second half, but the Pirates were unable to score again.

Liberty Center came away with a 35-3 victory and took home the OHSAA Div. V State Championship. The Tigers now look towards possibly going back-to-back next season as they are returning a host of star players with the likes of Garrison Kruse (RB), Kaden Kreinbrink (QB), Kellen Wymer (OL), and Jaxton Lawniczak (WR).

Trent Thompson

River City Sports Media