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After Vincent Ajian hauled in a pass for a 96-yard score for the only Madison TD early in the second quarter, the Whippets buckled down defensively and their offense took advantage of very favorable field position to win their second straight season opener.
“The kids did an outstanding job of bouncing back from the adversity of that score and battled for the entire game,” said SHS coach Chris Solis.
“Our defense played very well. One play (play action) would beat us and the one time they ran it, we were there, but they ran past us,” said Solis.
Shelby allowed 105 yards in the second half, but 59 of that came in the closing minute.
“Our defense played incredible,” remarked Solis. “They tackled and were physical.”
The defense recovered seven Madison miscues, led by Ethan Stephens with two interceptions. Tyler Grove picked off a pass while Colton Rhinebolt, Brendan Argo, Jordan Kick and Matt Kauffman each pounced on a fumble. Andre Rohde picked off a two-point conversion pass in the game as well.
One of those fumble recoveries set up the first Whippet score. On first and goal from the eight, Zach Strine hooked up on a pass with Briton Lash who fought the last couple yards to get into the endzone to tie the game at 6-6 with 2:15 remaining.
Without a timeout, SHS was able to get the ball back following a short Madison punt, putting the ball in play at the Rams 25.
Penalties pushed Shelby back, but Strine scrambled 36 yards before being knocked out of bounds at the one-yard line with 4.5 seconds remaining in the half. On the next play, Kyle Bailey bulled into the endzone and Dylan Blevins kicked the extra point for a 13-6 lead.
Neither team threatened in the third, but towards the end of the stanza, Shelby began a march from the opponent’s 45 yard line.
Josh Ingle’s 16-yard reception from Strine kept the drive alive and eventually set up Argo’s six-yard TD run with 11:43 remaining for a 19-6 lead.
Midway through the fourth, Grove’s pickoff gave the Whippets the ball at the 17 and three plays later Strine scored from four yards away. Blevins booted the extra point for a 26-6 bulge.
Shelby was outgained 238-173, but produced the top ground gainer in Bailey with 58 yards on 16 totes. Brentt Coopwood paced MHS with 45 stripes on 10 tries.
“We threw the ball with some accuracy, our young quarterback read the option and the four sophomores on the line performed very well,” said Solis.
Tackling leader was Bailey with 10 and 2.5 sacks. Other top tacklers included Argo (8), Brandon Rinehart (7), Nick Wagoner (7), Rhinebolt (6), Rohde (6) and Kick (6).
“Tonight’s effort was a tribute to our work ethic in practice. This was a great team win. No one individual will carry us this year. We will need 11 people on the field who are all on the same page,” added the coach.
The Whippets are back in action next Friday when they travel to Lexington.
“This coming week we have to continue to get better. We cannot be satisfied with tonight,” said Solis.
At W.W. Skiles Field
Madison 0 6 0 0 — 6
Shelby 0 13 0 13 — 26
Madison — Vincent Ajian 96-yard pass from Evan Cooper (pass failed)
Shelby — Briton Lash 8-yard pass from Zach Strine (kick failed)
Shelby — Bailey 1-yard run (Dylan Blevins kick)
Shelby — Brendan Argo 6-yard run (kick blocked)
Shelby — Strine 4-yard run (Blevins kick)