Winton Woods 50, Edgewood 7

CINCINNATI - The second-seeded Winton Woods Warriors turned in one of the most dominating playoff performances in school history as they defeated the Edgewood Cougars 50-7 in the opening round of Ohio Division II, Region 8 playoff action Friday night.

Winton Woods (8-3) scored of all its points in the first half, including taking a 28-0 first-quarter lead. The Warriors ran 16 offensive plays, held the ball for just over four minutes in the first half, but lead at the break 50-0.

Quarterback Shemar Hooks scored two of his three touchdowns in the opening frame and finished with 151 yards rushing on just six carries to lead the way. Nick Grissom, who scored the game’s first touchdown, finished with 87 yards on four rushing attempts.

Edgewood (8-3) entered the playoffs for the first time since 2008 after an amazing season filled with come from behind victories, close games and a big win over South Western Ohio Conference foe Mt Healthy. Unfortunately for the Cougars a very talented and exceptionally fast team in Winton Woods was waiting to meet them on the gridiron.

Edgewood had some success running the ball, but in the end just could not keep drives sustained against a much faster opponent. Once the Cougars got behind they were forced to do things they were not comfortable with and as a result were not able to get the ball into the end zone.

Winton Woods on the other hand scored on each possession and they returned a free kick for a touchdown and would also get two points on a safety after a bad snap on an attempted punt. Torrez Curtis recovered a fumble in the end zone for yet another Warriors’ touchdown.

A year after posting a 3-7, Edgewood finished with five more wins and earned a playoff berth. This program, now led by head coach Scott Clemmons, will be one that has much success in the coming years.

The Warriors move on to face another exciting team in the Trotwood-Madison Rams. This should be an exciting game that will showcase last year’s defending Division II State Champs and an up-and-coming Winton Woods Team that is explosive and well coached. It is a game that could wind up deciding who wins the Division II State Championship this year.