Facing Alter in a non-league match-up created this week due to COVID cancellations, Miamisburg handled the Knights 33-14 at Holland Field before a crowd that included Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and former Buckeyes and Miamisburg lineman and current Green Bay Packers center Josh Myers.
The meeting was the first between the two schools since Alter went 3-1 during a four-game series from 1991-94. The Knights were supposed to play Belmont.
McGohan, who had his cast removed earlier this week, caught six passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. His one-handed grab on a 29-yard completion in the second quarter sent the stands into a frenzy as Burg built a 16-0 halftime lead.
Through two games, Miamisburg (3-0) had thrown the ball 13 times. Vikings senior quarterback Justin Barry was 10-of-16 for 164 yards and two touchdowns (including a 59-yard strike to sophomore tight end Drew Dunaway) versus Alter (1-2).
“The first week we didn’t have Jackson, so that hindered us a little,” Miamisburg head coach Lance Schneider said. “Last week we only threw it three times because we were doing a great job upfront and didn’t need to throw it. But I feel like for this offense to get to where we want it, you have to be able to throw.”
“We knew we were going to come out and pass the ball as much as we could,” McGohan said. “It worked in our favor. Our quarterback, offensive line and receiving corps did a great job.”
Miamisburg’s defense wasn’t bad either.
Limiting Alter to just 21 yards in the first half, the Vikings forced two turnovers, the last of which was a fumbled snap on the Knights lone third quarter possession.
Freshman quarterback Gavin Conner led the Knights on two fourth quarter scoring drives by completing 12-of-20 pass for 154 yards and a touchdown (5yards to senior CJ Hicks). Hicks also caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Danny Mangin on fourth-and-14 after Conner had to exit due to getting his helmet knocked off by the Miamisburg defense on third down.
The Knights managed 266 yards, but ran for just 51 on 26 carries.
“We didn’t do much of anything good the first half offense or defense,” Alter head coach Ed Domsitz said. “They controlled the line of scrimmage. It’s disappointing. We’re capable of performing better than we saw tonight. Now we’ve got Hoban to look forward to next week. We better find some answers quick.”
Miamisburg had 381 yards of offense, including 217 on the ground. Christian Davis and Corwyn Hurt each ran for touchdowns. Thomas Monning made two field goals (29 and 22 yards).
McGohan said an Instagram post helped fuel the Vikings fire. Miamisburg plays at Centerville next week.
“We were getting doubted and losing a poll as to who people thought would win,” McGohan said. “It feels good to come out and prove people wrong.”
“We found out (we were playing Alter) at 3 p.m. Tuesday right before coming out to the practice field,” Schneider said. “We told the kids and they were fired up. Anytime you play against and beat good programs it’s a measuring stick. Alter’s a great program.”
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