Defensive effort, ground game lift Mingo past Shady, 13-7

SHADY SPRING, W.Va. — Mingo Central owns one of the state’s most prolific passing attacks and their aerial artistry has allowed them to score 42 points per game in the regular season.

Against one of the state’s best defenses in Shady Spring, the Miners relied on their defense and the legs of Daylin Goad to defeat the Tigers 13-7. Mingo Central advances to the quarterfinals where they will meet Bridgeport next weekend at Wayne Jamison Field.

“It was tough out here tonight,” said Mingo Central head coach Josh Sammons. “It was a little muddy. We are not used to that, playing nine games on turf. But we got the job done and I couldn’t be any more proud of my guys.”

Both teams struggled to find their footing early. The game was scoreless after the first quarter. The Tigers broke through in the second quarter when Drew Clark hit Erick Bevil on a screen pass and Bevil scampered down the sideline for a 62-yard touchdown reception, giving Shady a 7-0 lead.

The Miners answered on their next possession when Goad scored on a five-yard run, evening the score at 7-7 at halftime.

“After the first quarter, we knew we were going to have to establish the run game,” Sammons said. “We definitely established it in the third quarter and late into the fourth quarter. It paid off for us.”

Mingo Central outgained Shady Spring 395-210 but the Tigers stopped the Miners inside the three-yard line on their opening possession of each half.

“Those are tough. You have to score in those situations,” Sammons said. “When we get down there, we have to punch those scores in.”

Still tied 7-7 early in the fourth quarter, Mingo took their first lead of the ball game when Goad broke free for a 17-yard touchdown run. He finished the game with 21 carries for 190 yards.

“He is tough to tackle in those situations,” Sammons said. “Those are the kind of kids you want to have on your team.”

The Miners (9-2) are back in the quarterfinals for the third time in the last four seasons.

“I am real excited to move on,” Sammons said. “We know it is going to be a challenge going into Bridgeport. We are looking forward to it.”

Shady Spring’s season ends with a 9-2 record.





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