Wynford vs Tinora

Wynfords Playoff Run Ends

By Todd Enders, "Royal Times"
The Wynford Royals ran into a very strong and physical Defiance Tinora Rams in the regional finals on very chilly evening for football. The Royals could not generate any offense the entire evening while the Tinora Rams were held under their normal scoring average by the Wynford defense. Wynford ends their season with a 11-2 record while the Tinora Rams improve to 13-0 and move on to the state semifinals at Ohio State University with a 17-0 victory. Five turnovers lead to the scoreless night for the Royals (3 interceptions and 2 fumbles). 
Each team struggled to find any offensive continuity as both defenses showed their strengths in the first quarter with neither team crossing the goal line. Tinora got on the board first with 11:09 left in the second quarter with a 31 yard field goal from the Rams kicker, Josh Camp, on a 7 play 43 yard drive giving Tinora a 3-0 lead. 
Wynford's defensive strengths continued to show why the Royals were in the regional finals. Coach Gabe Helbert said, "Offensively we could not find a rhythm, but our defense played extremely well against a very talented and fast opponent." The Royals still gave themselves an opportunity against the Rams by holding them to just one score in the second quarter. Tinora went into halftime with a 10-0 lead with 1:17 left in the second quarter on a 10 yard run by Riley Nadel as he scampered off tackle and headed for the pylon. Wynford had difficulty stopping the Rams on offense as they continually gave the Wynford defense a steady dose of off-tackle sweep plays all night long. 
The Wynford defense continued to hang tough during the second half only allowing the Rams to score once with 9:24 left in the third quarter on a 25 yard run by T.J. Gares. The 6 play 67 yard drive and the extra point gave Tinora a 17-0 lead which was all they needed to advance to the state semifinals. 
Coach Gabe Helbert was extremely proud of his team. "We put ourselves in a position to play in a regional championship, but it just was not our night." The Royals were lead by quarterback, Keaton Teynor, on offense with 11 of 24 for 113 yards passing and 66 yards on 22 carries rushing. 
A very successful season comes to an end for the Royals as many tears and hugs were shared after a lengthy post game discussion where the coaching staff shared how proud they were of the entire team. Coach Helbert said,


"They are a great group. We don't have any superstars, but they play football the way it is supposed to be played."