Senior Riley Hamill is the starting quarterback for the Tigers

by Matt Huether

This past Friday the Loveland Tigers started their Football season in a Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown game at Sycamore Stadium.

The Tigers showed some bright flashes early in the game, one of which was an 8 plus minute drive to start off the game, ending with a touchdown reception by Austin Lodor (pass from Riley Hamill) putting the Tigers up 7-0 after a kick by Logan Farnsworth.

Sycamore came right back and scored a touchdown on a Brian Doneghy 7-yard run. Then, a late score in the first quarter from a 62-yard punt return touchdown by Jordan McConnel, put Sycamore up 13-7.

Sycamore scored again in the 2nd quarter to pad their lead to 19-7 at half time.

After a good drive by the Tigers late in the 3rd quarter, Sycamore RB/DB, Brian Doneghy, intercepted Riley Hamill for a 96-yard pick six putting Sycamore up 26-7. By the end of the 3rd quarter, Sycamore was up 33-7.  Tiger Liam Hamill ran for a 2-yard Touchdown in the 4th quarter, making the final game score 33-13.

I had the opportunity to speak with the Varsity Football Head Coach Fred Cranford and gain some feedback regarding the upcoming Tigers season.

What are your goals for the varsity team this upcoming season?

Coach Cranford – Returning leadership, returning starters and experience, physical returning defense, and an experienced offensive line will be key to our success and execution. Mental toughness and physical condition will be important to our success.

Who are some of the players that you expect big things out of this upcoming season?

Coach Cranford – JT Popp at linebacker, Kyle Whitaker at fullback and linebacker, Natron Webster at linebacker, Drew Vanderhorst on the defensive line, Sam Slyderand Joshua Elfers on the offensive line, Remi George at linebacker and running back, and Riley Hamill at quarterback.

What underclassmen has the ability to impact the game at the varsity level this year?

Coach Cranford – Gabe Ogden at defensive end, Sean McElveen as a safety and wide Receiver, Ben Morrison at defensive End and as a wide receiver, Austin Loder at tight end, Tyler Shelly at center, Liam Hamill at running back, and Breckin Sharkey at defensive back.

What do you think will be the hardest game of the season and why?

Coach Cranford – Tough schedule from start to finish, 3 non league games all Division I.  On our schedule we play 7 Division I opponents. Sycamore in the Skyline Showdown was well disciplined, well coached, and was a tough test to start the season.

With the loss of a lot of defensive starters due to graduation, who do you look to this year on the defensive side of the ball?

Coach Cranford – Our Linebacker crew will lead with experience and leadership.

Loveland looks to bounce back traveling to Lebanon on August 31 at 7 PM. The game will be played at James VanDeGrift Stadium – on the campus of Lebanon Jr. High School.  MAP

Lebanon lost to Kings 17-14 in their season opener last Friday.

Go HERE to find the complete Loveland Tiger Football Schedule and stats.

Game Statistics

Friday, August 24, 2018
13 Loveland	1 2 3 4 T LVL 7 0 0 6 13 SYC 13 6 14 0 33	33 Sycamore