After a flat start against tough Withrow, Badin moves to 3-0 with 24-17 win

CINCINNATI – Fresh off of an Ohio High School Athletic Association Division III runner-up finish, Badin High School football coach Nick Yordy often cautioned his team on the coinciding notoriety. From then on, they’d be getting every team’s best shot.

With a challenging schedule this year, that remains the case more than ever. And on Friday, they took the road to face a Withrow team on the heels of historical success in their 2021 campaign.

Despite trailing at halftime, Yordy’s group recomposed themselves to outscore the hosting Tigers 10-0 in the second half, giving the Rams the necessary edge to defeat Withrow 24-17 on Friday night at Withrow High School Stadium.

As Yordy explained best postgame, the Rams endured a seemingly flat start to the contest – and Withrow took advantage.

The Tigers scored first with a 28-yard field goal by junior Rex Shaffer, but the two teams traded scores shortly thereafter as well. Badin’s score came on a 25-yard connection from junior quarterback Alex Ritzie to junior wide receiver Aidan Brown, while Withrow’s touchdown came from junior receiver Quintin Simmons's 9-yard rushing score.

Ritzie’s second touchdown pass of the night completed an excellent 43-yard drive by the Rams – who seemed to be in the driver’s seat ahead 14-9 with just two minutes remaining before intermission.

But the Tigers showcased their offensive prowess with a few explosive plays. They executed a four-play, 80-yard drive to seize a 17-14 lead just seconds before halftime.

Nothing came easy for the Rams in the first half, as they struggled to contain Withrow’s read-option-based offense, and found running lanes far and few between offensively. But after a sluggish first half, they answered the coaching staff’s halftime call.

The Rams got back to their roots and established a more methodical drive to open the second half of play, relying on the legs of senior running back Carter Russo – who finished the night with 150 rushing yards and a touchdown on 30 carries. Russo capped off the 69-yard drive with his one-yard rushing score, putting the Rams ahead at 21-17.

“We just kind of came out a little flat. We addressed it there,” Yordy said. “Second half, I just thought we challenged the kids a bit. They had to do a better job. That was a great drive to start the third quarter, we challenged our offensive line a little bit and they responded.”

“We ran two different (rushing) plays that we hadn’t run in the first half. We had kind of shot ourselves in the foot in the first half. . . But once we got into the third quarter, we were able to get in the right position and get things rolling.”

Defensively, the Rams had seemingly upped their intensity as well. Withrow quarterback Troy Montgomery threw for 191 in the first half but was held in check to just 17 yards and an interception in the second half. They also forced several turnovers on downs to halt Tiger drives.

“They did a great job,” Yordy said. “Our defensive coaching staff does a great job with those guys and they responded. The kids had to make a decision, they made the right one, came out and battled in the second half and we were able to get the win.”

Things did get interesting late after Russo fumbled the ball with two minutes remaining in the contest, but the Badin defense stood firm and held the Tigers in check.

Russo ended the second half with 128 of his 150 rushing yards to guide the Rams to the comeback victory. Ritzie ended 7-of-11 passing for 88 yards and two touchdowns.

For Withrow, they were led by Montgomery’s 13-of-26 passing for 208 passing yards and freshman Antuain Brown, who collected 16 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown.

With the victory, the Rams (3-0) remain unbeaten as they continue their quest toward another state title berth. Withrow (1-2) will look to rebound next Friday at home against Archbishop Hoban.

As for the Rams, they’ll travel to face Roger Bacon next Friday, looking to make yet another statement against a former conference foe. Kickoff’s set for 7 p.m.

“We know we’ll get a battle from them," Yordy said. “They’ve got some athletes over there and we’ve got to get prepared and ready to go.”

Badin – 7 7 7 3 – 24

Withrow – 3 14 0 0 – 17

1Q: W – Schaffer 28-yard field goal, 3-0 Withrow.

B – Ritzie 25-yard pass to Brown (Warner kick) 7-3 Badin.

2Q: W – Simmons 9-yard rush (PAT failed) 9-7 Withrow.

B – Ritzie 16-yard pass to Moore (Warner kick) 14-9 Badin.

W – Brown 2-yard rush (Conversion) 17-14 Withrow.

3Q: B – Russo 1-yard rush (Warner kick) 21-17 Badin.

4Q: B – Warner 33-yard field goal, 24-17 Badin.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Hamilton Badin football beats Withrow 24-17 after rough start