News Archive
Turnovers Costly As Eagles Clipped By Loveland In ECC Action
Loveland turned four Milford turnovers into 21 points as the Tigers retained the Miami Township Victory Bell with a 27-14 win over the Eagles on Friday night (Sept. 23) in Eastern Cincinnati Conference action. The Tigers (2-3, 2-0 ECC) built a 20-0 first quarter lead and never looked back as they dropped the Eagles fell to 1-4 overall and 0-2 in league play.
Dawson Slone provided the offensive highlights for the Eagles as he picked up his second 100-yard game of the year, finishing with 114 yards on the ground, plus 25 yards receiving. Hayden Sluder was all over the field on defense for the Eagles finishing with a game-high 13 tackles.
The night got off to a rough start for the Eagles as they committed two special teams turnovers and fell behind 14-0 before the MHS offense could even take the field. After the defense forced a three-and-out on Loveland’s first possession, the Eagles fumbled back to the Tigers on the punt return. Loveland took advantage of the gift with a 71-yard, seven-play scoring drive that culminated with Ryan Bagnoli bulling in from one-yard out.
Things went from bad to worse for the Eagles on the ensuing kickoff as a short kick bounced off one of Milford’s up men and was recovered by the Tigers. Just two plays later, quarterback Cameron Beck found Bagnoli in the flat and he rumbled 48 yards for another Loveland score.
Following a Milford punt, Bagnoli was at it again as he rushed 20 yards on fourth-and-one for his third touchdown of the quarter. Midway through the second quarter, the Eagles put together a strong drive to cut into the deficit, going 55 yards in 12 plays for its first score of the night. Slone did much of the heavy lifting on the drive, accounting for all but two of the yards. Tyler Smith scored on a quarterback sneak from one-yard out for the score.
Heading into the second half trailing 20-7, the Eagles needed a score to stay close, but Ryan Batsch jumped in front of a Smith pass midway through the third quarter and raced 56 yards the other way for another Loveland score off a turnover. Midway through the fourth quarter, Milford found the end zone again on a five-yard Chase Witte five-yard scamper but could get no closer.
The final stats were nearly even with the exception of the Eagles four turnovers to just one by the Tigers. Loveland held a slim 257-244 edge in total yards and a 189-177 advantage on the ground. Zion Wynn led the visitors with 114 yards rushing.
Click here for the final Milford-Loveland game stats.
Milford will once again look for its first ECC win of the year next Friday, back at home where they will host Walnut Hills for Homecoming. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
