Last Minute Try Sees Improving Medina Over Olentangy
Last Minute Try Sees Improving Medina Over Olentangy
Medina Rugby secured a late comeback win in Ohio, bypassing well-regarded Olentangy 17-14.
The win was enough to bump Medina into GRR's HS Club Top 50.
"Olentangy is a quality program and are a very physical, skilled, and tough opponent," said Medina Head Coach Brian Scerca. "They were aggressive in the contact area the entire match and contested for possession in every tackle, which was something we needed to adjust to as the match went on."
Olentangy's kicking game kept Medina pinned back and as a result they found it difficult to launch too many strong scoring chances. Olentangy led 7-0 at the break and with captain Bryce Morris in the sin bin for a high tackle, things went from bad to worse for Medina.
Olentangy took advantage of Medina being shorthanded and were over for their second converted tri.
"I believe this woke us up a bit and we did a much better job of getting to the ground quicker in contact and allowed us to keep up the pressure on attack," said Scerca.
And just that quickly the momentum shifted. The yellow card for Medina expired and one for Olentangy (also a high tackle) started.
Now it was Olentangy that was shorthanded and soon Medina prop Chris Milam crashed in. Lock Blaine Chrisman converted and it was 14-7.
Medina kept up the pressure and with their tails up they just needed to stay patient. They did. With only a few minutes left in the game center Jeff Marshall took a pass from teammate Ben Jacobs and rumbled 20 meters for a try on the outside.
The tough0angled kick didn't go over, however, so Olentangy still had the lead.
But there was still time. A penalty inside the Medina half gave them a chance, and a long series of phases inched the Northern Ohio side to within five meters of the Olentangy line.
With space out wide and no time left on the clock, Jacobs and Marshall worked together again, with Jacobs once more setting up Marshall for the try.
That was it, 17-14, and a big win for the Medina club.
"We have a young but very talented team and we are finding our way," said Scerca. "It was impressive to see the boys close out this match with determination and composure, where the slightest mistake would have lost it for us. Matches with good programs like Olentangy help us learn how we really need to focus on playing our game and to be unselfish with the ball."
Obviously that midfield tandem was key but Morris at No. 8 was very strong—he is a massive force on defense and leads the team in tries. Flanker and vice-captain Jonny Estes and his younger brother Cooper are both very good on defense and run hard with ball in hand.
