DeSales defense reigns supreme, Stallions punch ticket to state

DAYTON – Ironically, the Division III state semifinal game started off much like the season did for Columbus DeSales – not how the Stallions wanted it to.

Clinging to a 3-0 lead at halftime against Cincinnati Wyoming at Dayton’s Welcome Stadium, the DeSales offense clicked in the second half to down the Cowboys 24-7 to advance to next week’s state championship game in Massillon.

After stumbling out of the gates to start the season 2-2, DeSales (11-3) has now won seven of its last eight games to reach the eighth state title game in school history.

“You’re glad to be up and not down but we felt like we left some points on the board by turning the ball over and giving up some big third-and-long (plays),” DeSales head coach Ryan Wiggins said of the first half. “We needed to just do the same things and do them a little bit better and that’s what we did.

“It feels great. The state championship is the ultimate prize in high school football. Everyone sets the goal to be there and there are only a few teams that make it so we are happy to be there.”

Like its has done throughout the playoffs, the DeSales defense dominated getting pressure on Wyoming quarterback Kyle Seyfried and holding the Cowboys spread offense in check.

Junior defensive end Chris Rock had three sacks and a batted pass leading a defensive line that owned the line of scrimmage battle. DeSales had five sacks overall.

“We harp on our defense and we try to do as much as we can on defense. Sometimes our offense doesn’t start off like they want to and they feed off our energy,” said Rock. “We were just trying to get pressure and that was what we were harping on. Their quarterback is a great runner and we just wanted to contain him but at the same time we wanted to get pressure and (tackle him).”

DeSales held Seyfried to 41 yards on 23 carries and was 9-of-23 passing for 188 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. Receiver Evan Aleshire reeled in six catches for 157 yards a 68-yard catch and run for a touchdown.

But that was about all Wyoming (13-1) could muster on the scoreboard.

“When everyone plays together it makes it easier,” Rock said.

Senior defensive tackle and Michigan State recruit Travis Jackson agreed.

“The defensive line played great and Chris Rock had an awesome game,” he said. “We just knew we needed to keep the quarterback contained if we wanted to win this one.

“I was trying to get to the quarterback and he was beating me there every time,” Jackson laughed. “But it is always great when your teammates and celebrating after you get to him. It was a big night for the defensive line.”

The DeSales defense has steadily improved through the postseason allowing 24, 14, 10 and seven points, respectively, with just two touchdowns coming against the first team unit.

Friday’s performance was arguably its best in the playoffs.

“Our defense did a real good job and we were able to hold them in check,” said Wiggins. “They’re dangerous because that quarterback can do some much with his feet. But our guys did what they have to do and made the plays when they had to make them.”

The DeSales triple-option offense was sparked by a 67-yard Adam Griffin run on the Stallions second drive of the third quarter setting up an eventual 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Nick Gentile.

“Griffin is a very explosive player and has big play ability,” said Gentile, who tallied 136 yards rushing on 21 carries and two touchdowns. “When you have a guy like that in the backfield you know you can just hand him the ball and know he is going to get whatever you need to get. He came up with the big play and that really got things rolling.”

Griffin had 106 yards rushing on 10 carries and sophomore Warren Ball added 59 yards on eight carries and a 6-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. 

“It is a great feeling. Through training camps and all those early morning weight lifting sessions, this is what we dreamed about,” Ball said. “To get the chance to finally do it, it’s amazing.

“I think there were a little bit of nerves early on and it took time to get adjusted early on. Coach (Wiggins) talked about not getting complacent and we made some things right and it worked out.”

DeSales, which claims three state titles, is back in the state championship game for the first time since 2005 when the Stallions lost to Steubenville 28-7.The last title for the Stallions came in 1998.

“I feel really good for our guys because we set our sights on this being our goal and to actually do it is not the easiest thing to do since only two teams get to the state championship,” Wiggins said. “It’s a great feeling and I feel great for our seniors and all the work they have put in.”

DeSales will face Youngstown Cardinal Mooney Friday, December 4 at Massillon’s Paul Brown Tiger Stadium at 11:00 a.m. Mooney (14-0)cruised past Steubenville 45-7 Friday on the other side of the bracket.

DeSales traveled to Mooney in Week 2 and were turned away 21-14 as part of the rocky 2-2 start to the season.-

“We knew there would be some bumps along the road but if you can take those experiences and learn from them and get better as we were able to do, then that is the ultimate goal – to play your best in November and that’s what has happened,” said Wiggins.

The state title game berth is extra special for the third-year head coach having played at DeSales and graduating from the Central Ohio school in 1997.

“I am very humbled and very proud,” Wiggins said. “Tradition at DeSales means a lot, especially for alums and the people that came through the program like I did.”