The fourth-seeded Bulldogs came within a missed extra point of rallying from a 21-point deficit, falling to the No. 5 Greeneview Rams in the first round of the Division V, Region 18 high school playoffs.
“That’s been our deal, let’s build this thing brick by brick,” Lane said. “These guys — and these seniors — are leaving a lot of bricks behind. I told them we’re just getting this thing started.”
Greeneview’s rushing attack staked the Rams to a 35-14 lead with 11:03 left in the third quarter.
The Bulldogs (6-5), though, weren’t done.
Kaleb Rue and Zac Shields scored on third-quarter runs of 21 and 18 yards, the second with 14 seconds left in the quarter, cutting Greeneview’s lead to 35-28.
The Bulldogs then stunned the Rams (8-3) with 2:14 left in the fourth quarter when quarterback Blake Smith hit Keaton Lucous in the corner of the end zone, pulling the ‘Dogs within one. But Greeneview’s Ethan Bradds, playing in his first game since a midseason injury, blocked the extra point.
“It got me in the forearm. It didn’t feel good, but it felt good at the same time,” Bradds said. “I’ve blocked a couple before but this is the biggest one.”
Milton’s defense provided one more opportunity when it forced a Greeneview punt near midfield, only to see the ball downed on the ‘Dogs’ 4-yard line with 1:09 left.
A pass down the sideline that could have gone the distance was broken up by Greeneview’s Harrison Gallagher. A pair of Smith runs took Milton to its 44-yard line with 20 seconds left. That’s when Gallagher sealed the win with an interception near midfield.
“The kids ran out of time,” Lane said. “I’m proud of them. These kids don’t know what give up means.”
Milton’s Zac Shields rushed for 154 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Rue added 68 yards and a pair of scores.
Greeneview advances to play top-seeded Brookville at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The Ohio High School Athletic Association will announce the neutral site Sunday afternoon.
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