Braves defeat Ross
OXFORD — The Braves boys’ soccer team defeated Ross in convincing fashion, 4-1. Talawanda went into the game with a 3-0-1 record in conference play, just ahead of the Rams at 3-1 — setting up the “winner take all” match.
Kelvin Reisenfeld led the Braves with two goals, according to coach Heath Kelly. Jake Kelly and Sammy Robinson each had a goal and an assist. Craig Bond also with an assist, while Blake Cooke held the Rams to a single goal with seven saves.
The win capped off an exciting SWOC season with the Braves remaining undefeated in league play – 4-0-1. Four teams finished in two SWOC losses, with Ross and Harrison at 3-2. Talawanda finished 10-4-1 overall to win their first league championship in nine years and only the sixth soccer championship overall.
Talawanda was scheduled to start Sectional play on Monday, Oct. 17, vs. Kings.
Braves’ Cross Country hosts SWOC
Talawanda hosted the Southwest Ohio Conference championships on Saturday, Oct. 15. This marks the first time the Braves have hosted the SWOC event.
Talawanda finished third in both girls’ and boys’ races.
“We were excited about the performance of both teams,” coach Paul Stiver commented.
In the girls’ results, Harrison edged Ross to take the title, 43-45. Harrison placed all five of its scoring runners in the top 12 places. Ross was led by SWOC champion Abigail Clayton with a time of 21:11.7 and placed three runners in the top five.
The Lady Braves placed three runners in the top ten and scored 53 points, well ahead of fourth Little Miami with 106. They were led by Lizzie Sawdai taking third place in 21:37.6. She was followed by Ashley Baxter in 6th, 22:02.3, and Jazz Bennett in 9th, 22:43.0. Mary Kate Huddleston and Zoe Moore also had top 20 finishes placing 17th (23:39.7) and 18th (23:40.0) respectively.
“Even though the girls were third, we were very close to winning it all.” Stiver added. “If not for one of our top girls having to drop out early in the race, who knows what would have happened.”
“We had two girls earn first-team SWOC honors (Sawdai and Baxter) and another second-team (Bennett). Our 5-6-7 girls stepped up and ran great races to make it close. However, Harrison was able to move their pack up more than they have this season and pulled off the win.”
The Talawanda boys were led by Connor Schlade, finishing 4th overall in a time of 17:43.4. David Krausher followed for the Braves in 10th place at 17:59.8. Also placing for the Braves were: Josh Huddleston, 22nd (18:54.7); Dylan Shumway, 28th, 19:42.0: and Patrick Geshan, 33rd (19:56.8).
“The boys were able to finish third without our third runner, Joshua Ferneding. We expected Little Miami and Ross to be at the top, but knew the rest of the conference was pretty balanced.
“The rest of the team stepped up and performed well. Connor Schlade ran a PR on a slow course to finish 4th and earn first-team SWOC. David Kraushar also ran very well to be named second-team SWOC.”
“All in all, we were thrilled with our performance. We are also excited about the future, as our middle school teams swept both races in dominating fashion.”
“Next week we go to Cedarville for the District Meet. Our girls are on the bubble to qualify for Regionals (top 8) so we’ll have something to race for. It also gives everyone another chance to run a new personal best.”
Talawanda football faces another tough opponent
The Talawanda Braves’ football team faced the Southwest Ohio Conference’s top two teams back-to-back. The Braves took on Mount Healthy in week 7 and then battled Edgewood on Friday, Oct. 14.
Talawanda honored its seniors on Friday, hosting their final home game of the season. Edgewood, however, did not allow the home crowd to enjoy the evening, jumping out to an early lead and going on to a 58-6 win.
The Cougars scored on three possessions in the first quarter and picked up a safety to take a 23-0 lead. They scored two more touchdowns in the second quarter and took a 37-0 lead into halftime. Edgewood kept up the pressure in the second half and went on to take the lopsided win.
The win for Edgewood keeps them on top in the SWOC standings at 4-0. Mount Healthy is also unbeaten in SWOC action at 3-0. The two teams will face each other in the final week of the regular season.
Talawanda fell to 1-7 on the season, 1-3 in the conference. They will play their final two games on the road — Northwest on Friday, Oct. 21 and Ross on Friday, Oct. 28.
