Blue Streaks outscore Pilots 38-20

Expositor Staff Writer

ARCHBOLD - The Blue Streaks scored on two turnovers committed by the Ayersville Pilots, one of them was a 70 yard interception return by David Rupp and enjoyed the field position advantage throughout the game to win their season opener, 38-20.

Rupp added three more TD's on offense and Breon Price had a 14 yard run in the third period for the major scores while the Blue Streaks Aaron Bontrager had a 39 yard field goal to end the second period and was four for four on PAT's.

The turning point of the game took place in the second quarter. With the score 14-7, Ayersville was driving down the field, with Andrew Brown and Anthony King picking up large chunks of yardage. The Pilots started from their 24 yard line and drove into Blue Streak territory, with over seven minutes left in the first half.

King picked up 29 yards off a swing pass and added 12 yards on a bruising run. On a second and four, Jared Leininger sacked the Pilot's QB Matt Steece for a nine yard loss. On the next passing attempt, Rupp flashed in front of the receiver in the flat in front of the home crowd and returned the ball to the house, 76 yards in all, for the score. With Bontrager's PAT, it made the score 21-7.

These were needed as King had three touchdown runs of 68 yards, 68 yards and 65 yards for the evening, amassing 282 yards on 24 catches.

To counter balance King's efforts, Rupp had 99 yards rushing on 17 offensive carries and Jacob Fidler led the Blue Streak running attack with 144 yards on 23 carries.

When the Blue Streaks were not running the ball, Rupp completed nine for 16 passes for 103 yards and had one interception. The Blue Streaks did put the ball on the ground once and recovered their fumble. The Blue Streaks committed three penalties and had 15 yards assessed against them.

The Pilots' QB Steece completed four of twelve attempts for 93 yards with two interceptions. He was hurried on numerous occasions and sacked twice.

Coming back to the field for the second half, the Blue Streaks changed their offensive look, as Rupp took the majority of the snaps under his center. Archbold ran their scissors running plays with much success. The front wall of Archbold provided the openings for Fidler, Price and Rupp to gain yardage and run the clock.

The balance of the scoring took place in the third quarter, with Price's 14 yard scamper and Rupp's three yard carry for the Archbold touchdowns.

King's 65 yard carry took place on a misdirection play. He was able to get to the edge of the Blue Streak defense and beat the last man between King and the goal line. The Pilot's two point conversion attempt left the score 31-20.

Rupp's last score of the game came on the ensuing kickoff, as the Blue Streaks consumed 2:28 covering 46 yards. The drive was highlighted by Fidler runs of six, seven and 17 yards, with Rupp picking up 12 and the final four yards. The score of 38-20 would be the final score.

"Turnovers and the sheer number of Archbold's team wore us down," said Ayersville Head Coach Chris Dales. "We had eight players going both ways on a very hot night, going up against a big, physical team.

I am very proud of Anthony King's efforts, both running the ball and his defense. He is a great running back who is getting Division I college football's attention. He had some great runs."

"We changed our attack to keep it balanced and control the clock," said Blue Streak's Head Coach John Downey.

"Rupp's interception and return for a touchdown was a turning point in the game, without question. He is a heady player on offense and defense.

"We had some mistakes and some missed tackles that King made us pay with his great running. I feel that with King and our Jacob Fidler, we had two of the best running backs on the field. Fidler does a fine job by keeping his legs churning and his balance. It was a good opening night."