A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME...was the impressive first half performance of a young Ansonia team, who trailed just 14-7 at the half.

October 31, 2008
Sidney, Ohio – Sidney Memorial Stadium

The Ansonia Tigers by virtue of a 7-3 regular season campaign compiled enough computer points to qualify for the State Playoffs. This would be the Tigers 3rd appearance into the tournament with the other two in 1999 and 2000.

The opponent for the Tigers was the Lehman Cavaliers who qualified with an 8-1 record with their only loss to the Anna Rockets in the first game of the season. The expectations for Lehman this year were high after returning many of their players from last years state playoff team… many experts were predicting them to reach the State finals this year.

The Tigers knew they were playing a much more experienced team but as they have done all year they strapped it on and went to work.

The first score of the game came with just 44 seconds remaining in the first quarter when fullback Kaleb Goins rammed in from 1 yard out to put the Cavs on top 7-0.

Ansonia was unable to sustain their next next drive and punted to Zak Schmidt who raced untouched for a 50 yard score and at 10:40 of the second quarter the Tigers trailed 14-0.

With their backs to the wall the Tigers put together an impressive drive that started behind senior Ryan Fosnaugh who bounced one outside for 54 yards.

Another impressive run in the drive by junior Dylan Bubeck for 20 yards kept the drive going with the Tiger eventually getting to the goal line.

Facing a 4th down with a yard to go the Tigers handed off to sophomore Brandon Liette who bulled his way into the endzone. Liette was good on the extra point kick and with 1:53 to play in the half the Tigers trailed 14-7.

After one half things looked promising for the young Tigers… but would soon fade as Lehman would erupt for 28 unanswered points in the 3rd quarter dashing the hopes of the Tiger faithful but not the spirit.

The Tigers continued to play hard but eventually Lehman would advance to the next round with a 42-7 victory.

Ansonia’s season came to an end with a 7-4 record and a third place finish in the Cross County Conference. Not many at the beginning of the year would have predicted it… and with just 4 seniors departing the future looks bright.

Departing are RB/LB – Ryan Fosnaugh, E/LB – Jeremy Beaver, G/LB – Clint Neal and T/T – Cody Rowland.

No doubt the Tigers will miss these players but youth is on their side and with hard work the Tigers have a great opportunity to make some noise again next year.

Rushing
Ansonia
Dylan Bubeck – 11-20
Brandon Liette – 22-58
Ryan Fosnaugh – 7-58
Derek Bubeck – 5-2
Dusty Holcomb – 3-9
Jordan Gilbert – 1-1
Total - 148

Lehman
Max Cartwright – 7-208
Kaleb Goins – 11-26
Zachary Schmitz – 4-7
Kameron Barton – 1-(-8)
Total - 233

Passing
Ansonia
Derek Bubeck – 6-10, 39 yds., 1 Int.

Lehman
Kameron Barton – 4-8, 87 yds., 1 TD

Receiving
Ansonia
Dylan Bubeck – 4-29
Reece Walters – 2-10

Lehman
David Spearman – 3-54
Zachary Schmitz – 1-33