FOREST PARK , Ohio – Winton Woods couldn’t take advantage of four Trotwood-Madison turnovers and started the season with a disappointing 13-3 loss Friday night at Winton Woods.
The 2017 Division II state runners-up and the undefeated Division III state champions struggled through a scoreless first half until Winton Woods kicker Yeri Velasquez broke the ice with a 28-yard field goal midway through the third quarter.
Moments later, Miquan Grace made his second interception – the fourth turnover for the Warriors defense – and Winton Woods took over at its own 32-yard line. The offense went nowhere, though, and a poor punt set up Trotwood-Madison at its 45-yard line.
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At that point, the Winton Woods defense that had been so strong broke down for one play. Trotwood-Madison QB Kenyon Sneed escaped a sack and raced 42 yards for the game's first touchdown.
Once inspired, Trotwood-Madison put together a 12-play scoring drive in the fourth quarter, and Ke’Shawn Hughley went around left end 3 yards for a touchdown that broke the Warriors’ backs.
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Trotwood-Madison gained 122 yards in the first half but turned the ball over three times, starting with the Rams’ first play from scrimmage. The Warriors also were stuck in neutral on offense, gaining just 57 yards in the first half while Jalen Englemon and Melvin Pleasant each recovered a fumble.
The Warriors' best scoring chance came in the last minute of the half. They drove to the T-M 11-yard line but were stopped on fourth-and-inches with 32 seconds before halftime.
In the second half, Trotwood-Madison made adjustments on offense and moved Sneed from wide receiver, where he led the Rams with three receptions and 63 yards, to quarterback. His TD run swung the momentum toward Trotwood-Madison.
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The Trotwood-Madison defense also came to life in the second half. Defensive end Kennedy Coates had a game-high 11 tackles.
Winton Woods looks to bounce back next week with a home game against West Clermont.
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