A Win For The Ages: Tygers top Sandusky in OT to claim regional crown

CLYDE — The legend of Angelo Grose reached new heights Friday night.

One of the greatest players in program history, Grose scored the most significant touchdown in program history as second-seeded Mansfield Senior knocked off No. 5 Sandusky 15-9 in overtime in the Division III, Region 10 championship game at Clyde High School.

The Michigan State-bound Grose blasted into the end zone from 5 yards out on third-and-goal as the Tygers (12-1) won their first-ever regional championship.

“I didn’t know what down it was, but I knew I had to get it into the end zone,” Grose said. “When my name is called, they always expect a big play out of me and every time I touch it, that’s what I try to do.”

Grose carried the ball three times on Senior High’s four overtime plays. He picked up 11 yards on first down from the 20 and added a 1-yard run on second-and-goal.

“We gave it to our best player — probably one of the best players in the state of Ohio — and he came out and got us a victory,” Mansfield Senior coach Chioke Bradley said.

Grose’s game-winner came after Senior High’s stingy defense denied Sandusky (9-4) on its overtime possession. The Blue Streaks picked up one first down, but on third-and-goal from the 7 yard line, quarterback Michael Franklin’s pass intended for Noah Caston in the back corner of the end zone was broken up by Titus Arrington. Sandusky lined up for a go-ahead field goal, but Isaac Roop’s 24-yard attempt was blocked by Senior High’s Cyrus Ellerbe.

“I hit the gap hard and got the block,” said Ellerbe, who had a second-quarter touchdown nullified by an offensive pass interference call. “(Assistant coach Ali Grose) said, ‘Whoever has got heart make a play.’ I made a play.”

The Tygers raced to a 9-0 first-quarter lead thanks to a special teams miscue by the Streaks. Franklin, who doubles as Sandusky’s punter, had the punt snap sail past him and into his own end zone. The sophomore collected the ball and ran out of the back of the end zone for a safety.

Senior High took the ensuing free kick and marched 70 yards on 11 plays. Terrance Flickinger capped the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run.

Sandusky cut Senior High’s lead to 9-6 with 9:09 remaining in the second quarter when Franklin hooked up with Caston on a 55-yard scoring strike on third-and-20. Roop’s PAT was blocked.

The score would remain 9-6 deep into the fourth quarter before Roop booted a 34-yard field goal to tie it with 6:54 to play. The Tygers misfired on a 28-yard field goal attempt with 3:13 remaining.

Terion Stewart, Sandusky’s All-Ohio running back and a Bowling Green recruit, rushed for just 16 yards before being injured with 4:34 remaining in the second quarter. Stewart had to be helped from the field and did not return.

“Our kids fought and fought and fought,” Sandusky coach Mike Franklin said.

The younger Franklin completed 11 of 23 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown. Caston caught four passes for 91 yards and J.T. Lewis added 69 yards on three catches.

For the Tygers, Cam Todd completed 14 of 21 passes for 122 yards and rushed for 66 yards on 10 carries. Flickinger had 59 yards on 17 carries, while Grose had eight catches for 69 yards.

Mansfield Senior will play Aurora (13-0) in the state semifinals next Friday at a site to be determined. The Greenmen defeated Chardon 22-19 in the Region 9 final Friday at Solon High School.

“This means everything. I don’t even have the words,” senior two-way lineman Ty’Lheir Grose said. “When we were coming here tonight, we had a police escort out of town and there were people lining the streets to see us off. This is bigger than us.”