The Warriors spoiled Springboro’s homecoming with a 21-20 win, handing the Panthers their first loss of the season. Fitting for a game with possible Greater Western Ohio Conference South Division title and playoff implications, it came down to the final play.
Three times in the fourth quarter the Panthers (5-1, 0-1 GWOC South) drove deep into Lebanon territory, twice coming away with two Brian Upton field goals to cut the Warriors’ lead to 21-20.
In the final minute, Springboro marched the Lebanon 25 yard line, but junior defensive lineman Austin Riggs sacked Panther quarterback Jake Stinebaugh as he tried to pick up a mishandled shotgun snap. On 4th and 14, the Panthers tried to get back in field goal range with a pass to the sideline, but Lebanon defenders Patrick O’Connell and Shane Boger broke up the intended pass for Michael Tepe, setting off a wild Warrior sideline celebration.
“Coach called man-to-man and we knew they were going to go to Tepe,” O’Connell said. “I saw the ball in the air and just tried to make a play. Thank God he didn’t come down with it.”
Lebanon (5-1, 1-0 GWOC South) rallied twice before taking the lead in the third quarter on a one yard plunge by quarterback Dusty Isaacs.
The Panthers scored early, taking advantage of a blocked punt and punching it in on a two-yard run by Antoine Campbell.
A 16-yard scoring strike from Isaacs to Chase Cochran tied the score midway through the second, but the Panthers seemed to take momentum and the lead with 10 seconds left in the half on a seven yard run by Stinebaugh.
But Lebanon seized back momentum on the final play of the half on a 67-yard Isaacs-to-Cochran connection where the Lebanon senior took a slant pass and turned on the jets, outrunning the Panther defense.
“We were worried all week about them playing in space,” Springboro coach Ryan Wilhite said. “We were in a prevent defense but when Cochran gets in space it’s what he does best. He made a play.
“We didn’t finish drives when we had opportunities, especially in the first half. But give Lebanon credit. I don’t think you can say we deserved to lose this game, but they certainly deserved to win it.”
The Panther defense, led by Tepe, Kyle King and Spencer Carroll, held Lebanon to its lowest output of the season — 21 points and 298 yards, including just 91 yards rushing on 26 carries.
“Their front seven did a tremendous job,” Lebanon coach Shawn Lamb said. “Unfortunately, in a rivalry like this the game takes on a meaning that if you get beat it feels like the end of the world. I’m sure Springboro feels that way, but they shouldn’t. They have a heck of a football team and played a great game.
“But, our defense did what it had to to win the game tonight. Our seniors deserve this. They haven’t beaten Springboro at the varsity level until now, and it’s a great feeling.”
Lebanon’s defense was led by Jake Gilbert (16 tackles) and Chris Benton (14). Christian May had eight tackles and an interception — stopping yet another ‘Boro drive inside the Warrior 20.
Springboro’s Antoine Campbell led all players with 183 yards rushing on 33 carries. Lebanon’s Cochran finished with five catches for 112 yards and two touchdowns while Isaacs completed 13-of-25 passes for 207 yards and two scores.
“This is big,” Cochran said. “It’s the first time we’ve beaten them and it feels great. This was one of our goals, and it’s a big boost heading into the final four games where hopefully we can achieve the rest.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4526 or shayes@coxohio.com.
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