Top-ranked and top-seeded Badin used a rugged running game and a stout defense to advance Friday night in the Division III state playoffs.
The Rams (13-0) rushed for 230 yards and didn’t allow a touchdown on their way to a 16-9 win over fourth-seeded Wapakoneta (11-2) in a Region 12 semifinal at Trotwood-Madison High School.
Carter Russo rushed for 159 yards on 28 carries to lead the Badin ground game.
Zach Yordy’s 1-yard touchdown run with 7:26 to play in the first quarter put Badin on the board first. Nick Warner’s PAT made it 7-0.
The Rams upped their lead to 13-0 at the 8:28 mark of the second quarter when Alex Ritzie connected with Carson Cheek for a 31-yard touchdown pass.
Wapakoneta made it 13-3 with 3 seconds left in the first half on Kyle Beach’s 38-yard field goal.
Warner’s 34-yard field goal made it 16-3 with 8:25 to play in the third. Wapak added two more Beach field goals (34 and 41 yards) for the final margin.
Ritzie finished 10-of-15 for 99 yards. Cheek caught six passes and had an interception on defense. Drew Enginger added a pick for the Rams.
Badin will face Tippecanoe (12-1) in the regional finals next Friday at a neutral site. Tipp beat Western Brown, 41-30, Friday.
