They’ll probably do both. St. Henry ended the streak.
After a rocky start, the Redskins dominated the rest of the way and won 24-7 in the Division VII, Region 28 championship game on Friday at Mercy Health/Wapak VFW Field.
The Flyers, which beat St. Henry 21-14 in a Midwest Athletic Conference game in regular season, had won their previous 76 games. Their last defeat came in a D-VII regional final in 2020, when they lost 24-17 to MAC rival New Bremen.
Marion Local (12-1) had won four consecutive state championships during the OHSAA-record run.
“I just so darn proud of this team,” Werling said. “That’s a great Marion Local community. That’s a great program. Everybody knows the history there. But I hope people don’t solely talk about Marion losing the streak. I hope they talk about the St. Henry Redskins.”
St. Henry (12-1) advances to face Columbus Grove in a state semifinal in Week 15 at a site to be determined. Columbus Grove (10-3) beat Leipsic 31-6 in the Region 26 championship game.
“This wasn’t our Super Bowl,” Werling said. “This was a huge win for us, but our ultimate goals are still in front of us.”
The Redskins struggled to make extra points following their four touchdowns — but that was about it.
They scored three unanswered touchdowns to take an 18-7 halftime lead, added one on their first possession of the second half and largely harassed Marion Local quarterback Brennen Hess throughout the game.
Hess had two passes intercepted in the first half and was sacked multiple times, including on a fourth down with just under five minutes left in the fourth. The Redskins ran out the clock to secure the win.
“Our coaching and the game plan helped us,” senior defensive back Landon Schwartz said of the difference compared to the team’s regular-season matchup. “Our community helped us win the game.
“We got pressure (up front) and that just made it easier for us in the coverage. It was awesome.”
Schwartz and his teammates constantly encouraged fans throughout the game to make noise. They obliged, and the cheering only grew in intensity until it reached its peak when the final seconds ticked away.
It’s St. Henry’s first win over Marion Local since 2009 and their first regional championship since 2006.
“This isn’t all we wanted,” Schwartz said. “We want two more, then we can celebrate.”
This story will be updated.
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