Indian Valley is in a close game at halftime against Cincinnati Taft. See how it's going.

Indian Valley is in a close game at halftime against Cincinnati Taft. See how it’s going.

Posted by author November 30, 2024 Football

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COLUMBUS — A first-quarter shootout slowed down just before halftime during a Division IV state semifinal tonight at Historic Crew Stadium.

Taft’s explosive speed led to a 14 points in the first three minutes, including Armoud Seals’ 65-yard kickoff return for a touchdown on the opening kickoff.

Indian Valley’s power running game responded from early adversity. It mustered a nine-play, 63-yard drive capped by Grady Kinsey’s 9-yard touchdown on fourth-and-1, and his two-point conversion run cut the lead to 14-8 with 4:40 still showing in the first quarter.

Taft responded with an eight-play drive — all runs — and extended its lead to 20-8 after Aaron Dowdell’s 1-yard plunge. The two-point conversion was stuffed at the line.

Indian Valley bounced back with a six-play, 80-yard drive as Ryker Williams reeled off a 30-yard run and Kinsey a 34-yarder to set up Kinsey’s 2-yard blast. The extra point cut the Taft lead to 20-15 with :05 in the first quarter.

Things slowed down in the second, as IV twice stopped Taft in its own territory with fourth-down sacks.

The Braves got the ball at its own 45 with 2:57 left, but Kinsey was stopped on third- and fourth-down runs needing a yard to keep the drive alive. Taft was unable to take advantage, stalling again in Brave territory after an Eric Golder sack.

Kinsey ran 13 times for 58 yards and Williams 10 times for 57 in the first half, while Nijia Hill had 6 carries for 63 and Monsanna Torbert six for 56 for Taft.

This story will be updated.