ONTARIO — Colonel Crawford’s one-two punch scored a knockout on Crestview at Friday night’s Division VI district championship game at Ontario High School.

Junior Brayden Holt poured in 25 points, while junior center Payne DeGray chipped in 21 to lead the Eagles to a convincing, 61-39 pounding of the Cougars. Senior Logan Goddard added nine points for C.C.

(Photos by Tom Theodore)

  • Crestview’s Justice Thompson is surrounded by three Colonel Crawford defenders in the lane on Friday night at Ontario.

It was sweet revenge for the top-seeded squad from North Robinson, which hasn’t lost since it’s 56-48 loss at Olivesburg in the season opener.

Coach Dave Sheldon’s squad took control from the opening tip, roaring to a 14-6 first-quarter advantage and a 31-10 halftime bulge.

The second-seeded Cougars showed some signs of life by slicing the gap to 41-25 at the end of the third quarter. But Colonel Crawford dominated the final eight minutes with a 20-14 spurt to finish the game.

Senior Justice Thompson finished a fine career with 16 points to top Crestview. Karter Goon contributed eight points.

Coach John Kurtz’s club finished the season with a 17-7 record.

Colonel Crawford will take a 23-1 mark to next week’s Bowling Green Regional against Saturday night’s Miller City-Fort Jennings district championship game survivor.

I've lived in Richland County since 1990, married here, our children were born here. This is home. I have two books published on a passion topic, Ohio high school football. Others: Buckeyes, Cavs, Bengals,...