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Epic Battle Ends In Storybook Fashion As Milford Knocks Off Winton Woods
At first glance, a 3-0 final score wouldn’t seem overwhelming. But Milford’s storybook 2023 season wrote a new chapter on Friday night as the Eagles scratched, clawed and willed their way to arguably the biggest regular season win in school history by knocking off Winton Woods. Mason Cooper’s 22-yard field goal with just over two minutes remaining in the contest would be the only points, but not the end of the drama as the Warriors’ nearly tied the game with under 20 seconds remaining, only to see a game-tying field goal bounce off the left upright.
Something had to give as the high-flying Eagle defense went up against the rock-solid and ECC top-ranked Winton Woods defense. But it was the Milford defense that was the story as they time and again kept the Warriors off the scoreboard. If you like defense, this was the game for you as the Eagles managed just 156 yards of total offense, but yielded only 142 on defense. If not for 55 yards gained by WW on its last drive, the number would have been even lower.
Defense ruled the first half as neither team really threatened to get on the scoreboard. When the fast-moving game moved to the second half, both teams were looking for a game-changing play and there were plenty, but still no points until the final two minutes. First, Caden Bailey returned the opening kickoff 48 yards into Winton Woods territory. But one of three sacks on the night by the Warriors thwarted that drive.
Winton Woods had the next big opportunity as Zae Jennings raced 63 yards for an apparent touchdown, only to be wiped away by a holding penalty. After the teams traded punts, Milford came up with a big play on defense on the next WW possession. Deep in its own territory, Warrior QB Bryshawn Brown was strip sacked by Hunter Gulaskey with Daniel Walker jumping on the fumble at the Warrior 13-yard line.
The Eagles were able to get to the Winton Woods five-yard line and looked to go-ahead on a Cooper 22-yard field goal attempt, but a mishandled snap led to the kick sailing wide right.
Throughout 2023, senior Reece Davis has been one of Milford’s most impactful players. Despite being held to just two catches for 20 yards, he made his presence felt on special teams late in the going. His 31-yard punt return put Milford in business at the Winton Woods 20 with 5:31 to play. The Eagles were able to bleed 3:30 off the clock on what would turn out to be the winning drive, capped by Cooper’s game-winning 22-yard field goal with 2:07 left.
Winton Woods’ final shot looked promising as pass completions of 29 and 22 yards moved the hosts to the Milford 10-yard line with less than a minute to play. But three straight incompletions, the final on a break-up by Toto Luani, set WW up for the potential game-tying field goal that bounced off the upright, sending the Eagles and their fanbase into pandemonium.
One of the big questions entering the night was would Milford be able to run against a Winton Woods defense allowing just 41.9 yards per game. Nathan Webster answered with a resounding yes as the senior grinded out 98 yards on 22 carries, the most by a Winton Woods opposing back all season. Luke Brand was held to just 13 of 21 passing for 79 yards with Ashton Warther hauling in nine passes for 53 yards.
Toto Luani led all players with 10 tackles on the night, including 1.5 for loss. Brother Tofa Luani added seven stops along with a sack.
The Eagles will continue their march to an Eastern Cincinnati Conference title, returning home next Friday night to host archrival West Clermont.
Click here for final game stats.
