Badin gets it done again

Rams have never lost in the Butler County rivalry with Ross

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By Rick Cassano, Staff Writer 1:06 AM Saturday, September 12, 2009

HAMILTON — The victory was significant, though hardly a thing of beauty.

Badin High School’s football team had never lost to Butler County rival Ross and continued that tradition Friday night, Sept. 11, in the first meeting of the local Rams since 1995.

The final score was 14-7 before a large crowd at Virgil Schwarm Stadium, with Badin quarterback Patrick Coyne scoring the decisive touchdown with 4:23 remaining.

“It did get a little nerve-wracking, but I think everybody on the sideline believed we were going to come out winners,” said BHS junior Jeff Smith, who returned an interception for the hosts’ first TD. “Ross played hard. This was going to be their Super Bowl. We knew we had a game on our hands.”

Badin had a 303-147 edge in yardage, yet committed three turnovers and got hit with nine penalties.

“I can’t fault our guys’ desire, but the flags were on the ground a little too much,” said Badin coach Bill Tenore, whose team is 3-0 for the first time since 1999. “It does feel great to be 3-0. Even when we make mistakes, we’re finding ways to win. I think that says something about what kind of program and the kind of kids we have at Badin.”

Ross (1-2) came up with some big defensive plays, including a goal-line stand in the third period. Cole Stalker and Casey Vatter had interceptions, and Colten Phelps recovered a fumble.

It was Stalker’s pick and 30-yard return to the Badin 5-yard line that set up Ross’ lone touchdown, a 5-yard run by Phelps with 8:01 remaining.

“I’m proud of our kids,” Ross coach Brian Butts said. “After last week’s defensive disaster, we stepped up and played physical. We just didn’t click on offense tonight. That was the first defensive team we’ve seen that was faster than us offensively.

“I think the kids have got the belief that they can win,” he added. “Now we’ve got to get it done on both sides of the ball on the same night.”

Erik Geiser completed 13-of-23 passes for 102 yards for Ross. Coyne was 14-of-23 for 147 yards for Badin, and he hit David Korb for a 58-yard reception on third-and-6 during the game-winning drive.

Smith went 28 yards for a touchdown after picking off a Geiser aerial with 4:59 left in the first half.

“I was just reading the hips of the receiver, and I looked inside and saw the ball coming my way,” Smith said. “It was just instinct, really.”

Nate Snellgrove ran 23 times for 99 yards and Matt Combs recovered a fumble for Badin, which hosts defending Division IV state champion Kettering Alter next Friday.

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