FRHS can't rally again

GERMANTOWN, Ohio — For the second week in a row, the Indians spotted their opponent a double-digit lead.

This time, there was no comeback celebration.

Fort Recovery High School’s football team rallied from an 18-point deficit but got its offense going too late Friday in a 24-21 loss to the host Valley View Spartans.

The Indians (1-1), who defeated Lehman Catholic in overtime last week after falling behind 21-0, gave up the first 10 points Friday to Valley View. They got on the board on an 8-yard WIll Homan touchdown run late in the opening half, but would quickly see the deficit grow again after the intermission.

The Spartans (2-0) reasserted themselves with an eight-play touchdown drive culminated by a 7-yard Collin Wood TD run on the opening possession of the third quarter. And after blocking a Cade Wendel punt, they zoomed down the the short field for another score and a 24-6 lead.

Fort Recovery closed the gap again thanks to two more Homan scoring runs — 48 and 2 yards — but the second of those came with just 38 seconds left. After Valley View recovered an onside kick attempt by the Indians, Wood simply took a knee to run out what was left of the clock.

Homan was the FRHS offense, carrying 23 times for 142 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught three passes for 48 yards.

Wendel finished 10-of-23 passing with three more completions to Ryan Braun while also throwing three interceptions.

The Spartans, meanwhile, used a varied rushing attack as four players reached the 50-yard mark and two more ran for at least 30 yards. Wood led the way with seven carries for 70 yards.

Ethan Schoen made 16 tackles to lead the Fort Recovery defense.

The Indians will open Midwest Athletic Conference play Friday when they visit Parkway.