Varsity Football Gridders Win in First Round

The Ovid-Elsie Marauders win 21-14 over the Almont Raiders in the first round of playoffs. The
last time these two teams met, Ovid-Elsie was unfortunately beaten, leading to this victory being
extra sweet.
Offensively, the team was once again led by Tryce Tokar and Clay Wittenberg. The team would
find their first score at the end of the second quarter with Tokar running it in from nine yards out.
The team would not score again until the fourth quarter where Tokar would pass it to Clay
Wittenberg for a 13-yard score, and run it in one more time for a one-yard touchdown.
Ovid-Elsie would have fewer yards than Almont, 292 compared to 312. However, the Marauders
would boast 31 minutes and ten seconds of ball possession compared to the Raider’s 16 minutes
and 48 seconds. Once again, Ovid-Elsie won by managing the field.
Defensively, the Marauders would seal the victory in the second half. They would allow Almont
to score twice in the first half but would let up no touchdowns after halftime. Additionally,
Ovid-Elsie would only let Almont convert 22% of their third downs, forcing turnover after
turnover. Defensive leaders for O-E include Braxton Stenger and Clay Wittenberg. Braxton had
6.5 tackles, with six of those being solo. Wittenberg would have six tackles with four being solo,
four being assisted, and two being tackles for loss.
The Ovid-Elsie Marauders are now set to face the Lansing Catholic Cougars at home on Friday,
November 4th. This will be O-E’s first home playoff game in over a decade. With a victory over
Lansing Catholic, the Marauders will then be District Champions.