Versailles Defense Keys 18-6 Win Over Minster

By Bruce Monnin

VERSAILLES — The stat sheet between the Versailles Tigers and the Minster Wildcats did not show much of a difference between the two teams. Versailles outgained Minster in yardage 259-213, but ever other statistic was very similar between the two teams except for the one that matters most. Minster failed to capitalize on most of their opportunities while Versailles finished their drives in the end zone to defeat the Wildcats 18-6.

“The biggest stat is the scoreboard at the end of the game,” commented Versailles coach Jason Schondelmeyer.

Minster started the game with the ball but was forced to punt after just three plays. Versailles responded with a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to take the early 6-0 lead.

But after this initial display, the Tiger offense was limited to just 43 yards the rest of the half. The Wildcat offense proceeded to compile over 110 yards during the rest of the half and penetrated into Versailles territory twice, but failed to come away with any points, often forestalled by key penalties.

“We have to work hard on not getting down when things don’t go right,” admitted Minster coach Eric Belcher. “That’s what happened tonight.”

At the start of the second half, Versailles took the ball and marched down the field with another long touchdown drive. This time the Tigers covered 64 yards on 13 plays, keyed by a 30-yard run by Ethan Oliver and capped by an Oliver two-yard scoring run. The two-point conversion attempt failed, but the Tigers expanded their lead to 12-0.

“We had a good 13-play drive at the start of the third quarter. That’s what our offense does,” explained Schondelmeyer. “And our defense is a bend but don’t break defense that doesn’t give up the big play. We were fortunate enough to do that tonight.”

The ensuing Wildcat series was halted by a Josh Ward interception, and two drives later Shawn Winner picked off another Minster pass. Six plays later, Versailles sealed Minster’s fate when Tony McNeilan hooked up with Eric Grilliot for a 38-yard touchdown pass. Minster added a late 11-play touchdown drive to make the final score 18-6.

Next week Friday Versailles, now 2-0, hits the road to take on the 1-1 Anna Rockets. Minster (1-1) will host the 1-1 Fort Recovery Indians in their home opener for the season.

SCORE BY QUARTERS

Versailles 6 0 6 6 — 18

Minster 0 0 0 6 — 6