By Cole Swafford | CSwaff Media
Photography by Cole Swafford | CSwaff Shots
ARCANUM, Ohio — From the opening kickoff to a series of game-changing defensive plays, Arcanum wasted little time taking control of Friday night’s Division V, Region 20 playoff opener.
The Trojans used an explosive start, timely offensive execution and a turnover-producing defense to build a commanding halftime advantage before finishing off Dayton Christian, 50-20, to advance to the second round of the OHSAA football playoffs.
Raysean Miles set the tone before Arcanum’s offense even stepped onto the field, returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown and giving the Trojans an immediate lead.
The early momentum continued when MJ Macy broke loose for a long touchdown run. A failed two-point conversion left Arcanum ahead 12-0 with 6:39 remaining in the first quarter.
While the Trojans’ offense was finding success, their defense was making life equally difficult for the Warriors.
Bishop Cartwright intercepted a Dayton Christian pass with 4:53 remaining in the opening quarter, setting up another scoring opportunity for Arcanum.
Quarterback Weston Schmidt capitalized with one of the game’s more impressive individual efforts. Schmidt sold a fake toss that caught the Dayton Christian defense off guard, spun out of a tackle and raced 20 yards into the end zone. The successful extra point pushed the Trojans’ advantage to 19-0 with 2:16 remaining in the quarter.
Then came Talan Stone.
Stone intercepted a Dayton Christian pass and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown, adding another explosive play to Arcanum’s opening-quarter performance. The pick-six extended the Trojans’ lead to 26-0 and was only the beginning of a memorable night for the Arcanum defender.
On Dayton Christian’s next offensive play, the Trojans stripped the football and recovered the fumble, giving their offense another possession.
The Warriors managed to hold Arcanum out of the end zone following the turnover, but the Trojans converted a field goal to stretch their lead to 29-0.
Stone wasn’t finished creating problems for Dayton Christian.
He collected his second interception before halftime as Arcanum continued to disrupt the Warriors’ passing attack. The Trojans carried a 43-6 lead into the locker room, having established control through big plays on offense, defense and special teams.
The second half began much like the first had unfolded.
Stone intercepted another Dayton Christian pass to open the half, completing a three-interception performance that included his 70-yard defensive touchdown.
Along with Cartwright’s earlier interception and the first-quarter fumble recovery, Stone’s three takeaways gave Arcanum five turnovers forced on the night.
Schmidt later added his second rushing touchdown of the contest, powering his way across the goal line on a one-yard quarterback sneak that helped push Arcanum’s lead to 50-6.
Despite the deficit, Dayton Christian continued to battle.
The Warriors connected on a 63-yard touchdown using a double-pass trick play, with Brody Schmidt delivering the scoring throw. The extra point brought the score to 50-13.
Dayton Christian added another touchdown before the final whistle to account for the 50-20 final.
Brody Schmidt provided much of the Warriors’ offensive production, finishing with 156 passing yards and two touchdowns through the air while adding 112 rushing yards on 13 carries.
For Arcanum, the victory was defined by its ability to create momentum in multiple phases of the game. Miles’ opening kickoff return provided the immediate spark, Macy and Weston Schmidt delivered rushing touchdowns, and the defense repeatedly gave the Trojans additional opportunities.
Stone’s three interceptions highlighted the defensive effort, with his 70-yard pick-six standing among the biggest plays of the night.
The victory sends Arcanum into the second round, where the Trojans will face Graham Local on Friday, November 6, at 7 p.m.
After an opening-round performance filled with explosive plays and defensive takeaways, Arcanum will look to carry that momentum into another week of postseason football.
