An even, back-and-forth contest saw Lebanon score the game-winning touchdown with just 35 seconds remaining, handing Milford a heartbreaking 24-20 defeat in an ECC thriller. The Warriors’ Zane Duning and the Eagles’ Jaxon Stickle both appeared to possess the ball at one point in the endzone on the winning score, but it was Duning that ultimately held on.

Outstanding special teams play all night started with a 57-yard punt return by Luke Ray in the first quarter setting up a short Natwan Webster TD run. The Warriors would score the game’s next two touchdowns, before Sawyer Copp broke into the end zone to tie the game at 14-14 just before the half.

The defenses took over in the third quarter with the only points coming on a Lebanon field goal with only 23 seconds remaining in the period. With time winding down in the fourth, Milford drove 87 yards in nine plays, capped by a nine-yard strike by Austin Hardin to Reece Davis to give the Eagles a 20-17 edge with less than five minutes to play.

But the Warriors weren’t done as they marched 78 yards in 12 plays, with Duning’s clutch reception winning it. Milford appeared to have the game won when Jacob Smith intercepted a pass, but the Eagles were flagged for a questionable pass interference penalty that wiped out the turnover and gave the Warriors one final shot.

Copp had his best game of the season, finishing with 95 yards on the ground and 13 yards in pass receptions, along with his score. Webster bulled his way to 72 yards as the Eagles finished with 172 on the ground. Hardin connected on 13 of 17 throws for 126 yards, with Ray the leading receiver with 60 yards.

Milford will close out the regular season and celebrate Senior Night next Friday night back at Eagle Stadium Powered by Cullen Electric playing host to rival West Clermont.

Click here for final game stats.

Overall	PCT
7 - 5	0.583

Milford Athletics

2021-2022 Varsity Football

Fri, Aug 20 at Edgewood High School W 41 - 14 Edgewood High School

Sat, Aug 28 vs. Lakota East High School Welcome Back Night L 0 - 35 Milford Eagle Stadium Powered by Cullen Electric

Fri, Sep 03 at Walnut Hills High School * W 34 - 8 Walnut Hills High School

Fri, Sep 10 vs. Turpin High School * Youth Night W 20 - 13 Milford Eagle Stadium Powered by Cullen Electric

Fri, Sep 17 at Loveland High School * W 48 - 34 Loveland High School

Fri, Sep 24 at Winton Woods High School * L 13 - 40 Winton Woods High School

Fri, Oct 01 vs. Little Miami High School * Homecoming W 31 - 6 Milford Eagle Stadium Powered by Cullen Electric

Fri, Oct 08 vs. Anderson High School * Junior High Night/band & Other Fall Sports Senior Nights L 7 - 35 Milford Eagle Stadium Powered by Cullen Electric

Fri, Oct 15 at Lebanon High School * L 20 - 24 Lebanon Junior High School

Fri, Oct 22 vs. West Clermont High School * SENIOR NIGHT W 28 - 7 Milford Eagle Stadium Powered By Cullen Electric

Fri, Oct 29 vs. Lebanon High School * OHSAA Playoffs W 21 - 7 Milford Eagle Stadium Powered By Cullen Electric

Fri, Nov 05 at Lakota West High School OHSAA Playoffs L 14 - 49 Lakota West High School