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Podcast Episode No. 45: Recap of Coldwater win over Grove and look back at 2020 season
Tony Haynes and Lynn Groll look back at Coldwater’s win over Columbus Grove.
Coldwater takes down Columbus Grove for another state berth
SIDNEY – On a night full of offensive firepower, Coldwater’s barrage was too much to handle for Columbus Grove in the Division VI state semifinals at Sidney High School. The Cavaliers tallied 470 yards on 51 snaps and dashed Grove’s hopes of the second state title in program history with a 41-27 triumph.
“This is such an awesome team,” remarked Grove mentor Andy Schafer. “These guys are my family. That group of seniors I’ll never forget. I honestly think they changed the culture of the school. We had great community support. We had a big parade all the way here. It’s a great place to be at Columbus Grove.
“It really hurts losing this game,” added Schafer. “But I told the kids, look at the day when we didn’t think we were going to have a season. We’re going to look back and say, wow, that was a good football team.”
Coldwater will play in its 13th state championship game next Sunday at 5 p.m. at Fortress Obetz in southeast Columbus against New Middletown Springfield.
Grove underclassmen playing for “family” mentality created by seniors
COLUMBUS GROVE – Spend any amount of time around the Columbus Grove football program and the word – family – comes up frequently.
“I think we all need to play as a family and not as a team,” said junior running back Colin Metzger. “Playing as a team each person comes in individually … the seniors are like family at this point because of how much we’ve played together and been together.”
Metzger is one of the Bulldogs’ underclassmen that are following the lead of a senior class that is on a mission.
Grove’s next journey will take them to the Division VI state semifinals on Saturday at Sidney High School against state power Coldwater.
To get there, the Bulldogs dispatched a talented Fairview squad last Saturday in the Region 22 championship game 42-21.
The triumph was savored by Grove headman Andy Schafer.
“That game and that win last Saturday was so special,” remarked Schafer.
MAC power stands in way of state final berth for Columbus Grove
A MAC power stands in the way of Columbus Grove’s shot at a state championship on Saturday night at Sidney High School.
The Bulldogs will face state championship favorite Coldwater in the state semifinal with the winner advancing to next Sunday’s state title game against the winner of Fort Frye and New Middletown Springfield.
“They’re the best-coached team I’ve seen,” lauded Grove leadman Andy Schafer. “They’re just sound football players. They don’t make mistakes, they know the game and they’re always in the right position. They understand how to read keys.
“I’m not saying any of the teams we’ve played aren’t doing it right,” added Schafer. “Coldwater just does it differently and they know the game. Secondly, they know the weight room. Those kids are strong. You look at them and watch video, they’re put together and strong kids.”
A MAC program has been in the state semifinals every year since 1994. New Bremen is also in the state semifinals from the MAC in D-VII this weekend.
Episode 44: Black Swamp Football Podcast
Tony Haynes and Lynn Groll look back at Columbus Grove’s Region 22 championship victory over Fairview while looking ahead to the Bulldogs’ matchup with top-ranked Coldwater in the state semifinals this Saturday.
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Defiance College headman Manny Matsakis
Headed into his third season as leadman of the Defiance College football program, Manny Matsakis and his staff have had to get creative this spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down the campus. Despite the hurdles, it’s business as