Friday, October 27, 2000
Turnaround could turn into playoff berth for Winton
By Dave Schutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Winton Woods football team has won six consecutive games. But the bad news is the winning streak is meaningless unless it reaches seven.
In its most important game of the season, Winton Woods plays host to Fairfield tonight with a berth in the Division I playoffs on the line for both teams.
Harbin Computer expert Steve Shuck said Fairfield is in with a victory. Winton Woods is on the bubble if it wins.
After starting the year 1-2, the playoffs seemed to be out of reach for Winton. .
“After we started 1-2, the offense was broke, and we didn't know how to fix it,” Winton coach Troy Everhart said. “We went back to the things we do best, and that's playing option football.”
Since the offensive change, the Warriors have defeated Amelia, Mason, Northwest, Glen Este and Turpin, earning enough points to rejoin the Division I playoff chase.
“The 18 seniors turned it around,” Everhart said. “They've gone nonstop five days a week to get it done.”
Everhart said the Mason game was the turning point. The Warriors kicked a field goal in overtime to win. Two weeks later, they blocked a punt and scored to beat Glen Este.
“We've won every game with defense,” Everhart said. “That will be the key against Fairfield. We use an aggressive defense designed to stop the run.”
Everhart plans no changes, putting eight men on the line to help stop Fairfield tailback Earl Haynes and to challenge quarterback Brett Pogozalski to throw the ball.
Complete prep football coverage at Enquirer.com/prepfootball
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