Bishop Watterson defense prevails over Steubenville to make a consecutive trip to State Final Four

(Gene Simmons ~ Ohsfbmedia.com)

By Gene Simmons

NEW PHILADELPHIA, OH--Bishop Watterson defense was a factor in making a consecutive trip to the OHSAA State Final Four by beating Steubenville for the Division III Region 11 Championship.

Steubenville's Jalen minnifield held to 40 yards in the first half, just a testament of the defense that was played by the Eagles.

Final from Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium @OHSAASports Div. III Region 11 Championship.@BWHSFootball1 37
Steubenville 7@drew_bellisari and company are Div. III Regional Champions. Watterson puts running clock on Steubenville. pic.twitter.com/LVnAUnbKn5

— Ohio High School Football/Basketball Media (@OHSFBMedia) November 23, 2024

Bishop opened the first drive by completing a 68 yard run for a touchdown by Zach Weber putting the first points on the board going up 7-0 after being kicked by Mike Antry. 

Steubenville would get a possession but would punt with 5:38, which led to Watterson going 3 and out, getting possession back only to fumble it away for a return touchdown by Tommy Haley going up 14-0.

"So it was just really coming together and playing as a team is what really is what really won us the game tonight," said Weber.

The only score for the Big Red would come off the hands of quarterback Aidan Davis to Jeremiah Hinton for a 13 yard touchdown with minutes remaining in the 2nd qtr.

Opening the 3rd quarter Steubenville would have a key possession in the game, holding the ball for over 6 minutes but coming up scoreless as the drive would end after going for it on a 4th and 4 as Jalen Minnifield would come up short resulting in a turnover on downs.

Watterson would punt it away to only get the ball back after another failed drive, by Steubenville that would eventually lead to a score after a big catch by tight end Dominic Theado to get them to the 3 yard line then punching it in by Zack Weber to run the score up 30-7.

(Chuck Cordes ~ Ohsfbmedia.com)

That was the beginning of the end for the undefeated Big Red, as one more score would push a running clock after Zack Weber scored on a 2 yard run with 7:27 left in the game.

Bishop offensive line was better as the game went on providing holes for Weber to just dominate.

"Our game plan was to just run it down their throats," said Eglitis junior offensive lineman.

The Eagles move on to the OHSAA State Final Four versus London with site to be announced. Steubenville will end the season 13-1, not bad with a load of talent coming back next season.

Drew Bellisari ended the game with 4 of 13 for 69 yards as the elements would lead to more rushing than throwing as the rain would not stop.

"I mean we just fought through adversity, I mean we talked all halftime about like we gotta pound these dudes they got dudes going both ways they're tired." said Bellisari.

Both teams played very disciplined football as they only committed 4 penalties for 40 yards disciplined and low mistake teams.