Two Pick-6’s help Warriors to 28-14 win over the Eagles

By Chuck Gibson (Special video highlights courtesy Jon Gonzalez)

LOVELAND, OH (October 10, 2022) – It was not a good start for the defending Division II State Champion Winton Woods Warriors when they travelled to Milford for a showdown under the Friday Night Lights with the Eagles.

Entering the game the two ECC foes promised an exciting match-up with Winton Woods standing 7-0 overall and Milford coming in at 6-1. The opening kick-off provided a sneak peek into the turnovers which would plague both teams on a perfect fall evening for football. The 1st quarter was a turnover fest for both teams. Milford kicked the ball short up the right sideline where it bounced off a Warrior player and was recovered by the Eagles. It was the first of what turned out to be five (5) turnovers by Winton Woods. Milford was unable to capitalize on the miscue failing to score despite the good field position.

Despite several more turnovers and punt exchanges, the score remained knotted at zero. The question became which team would take advantage first. Finally, it was the Warriors who got on the scoreboard first. Yes it was a turnover. Winton Woods took a 7-0 lead on a Pick-6 to start the scoring. Milford came back with the offense connecting on a touchdown pass just before halftime sending the teams into the locker room tied at 7 apiece at the half.

CLICK HERE to watch game video from Jonathan Gonzalez

 The Eagles received the opening 2nd half kickoff, and used a mix of runs and passes to march the ball down the field and into the red zone for what appeared to be a sure scoring opportunity. The turnover bug returned. The Eagle quarterback dropped back to pass on 2nd and goal from the 10 yard line and threw a pass which was picked off by a Winton Woods defender. He scampered 92 yards for the score, and the second Pick-6 of the night for the Warriors giving them a 14-7 lead.  

Milford’s ensuing possession ended with a punt. The Warriors followed up with a scoring drive ending with their first offensive touchdown and opening up a 14 point, 21-7 lead. A great Milford punt in the 4th quarter pinned Winton Woods back at their own 1 yard line. The Warrior offense came to life driving 99 yards down the field and scoring on a touchdown pass increasing their lead to 28-7 and putting the game out of reach with only about 5 minutes remaining. Showing no quit, the Milford Eagles did put the ball in the end zone one more time with a late touchdown drive. It was too little, too late in a game where turnovers clearly told the tale, but left the Eagles short as they fell to the Warriors 28 to 14.

CLICK HERE to watch the video highlights from this ECC showdown between the host Milford Eagles and the visiting Winton Woods Warriors.

NOTE: The victory keeps the Warriors record unblemished at 8-0 overall leading the ECC with a 7-0 league record while the loss drops the Eagles to 6-2 overall and  holding third place with a league record of 5-2. 

Special thanks to Jonathan Gonzalez for his videography, editing and game highlight production.