CANTON — The Mansfield Senior Tygers squeezed every drop of juice out of an epic, historic and amazing postseason run.
Go ahead and select your own superlative adjectives. We can wait a few moments. Take your time — it may take some time. But these youngsters are worth it.
Fact is, any words you come up with fit a determined group of young men, coaching staff — and a fan base that cheered to the bitter end Friday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
The Tygers’ season ended with a 14-7 overtime loss to Trotwood-Madison, fittingly played on a field nestled next to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
It’s fitting it was played here because this 2019 Mansfield Senior team, led by coach Chioke Bradley, created a lifetime of hall of fame moments.
Since the Ohio High School Athletic Association began determining state champions on the field in 1972, no Richland County school had ever advanced to the ultimate title game.
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Mansfield Senior fans pack the stands at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton for the 2019 Division III state championship football game.
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Mansfield Senior fans cheer on their team at the 2019 state championship game in Tom Benson Stadium in Canton.
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The Lucas Cubs football team showed up in support of the Tygers.
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Mansfield Senior played physical defense and kept Trotwood Madison off the board through 3 quarters.
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The game was tied 0-0 at halftime.
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The ninth-ranked Tygers (13-2) got the better of the game through 3 quarters heading to the fourth quarter with a 7-0 lead.
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Blocked! Mansfield Senior blocked a field goal attempt to force overtime.
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Pandemonium at HOF Stadium as the game headed to OT.
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A Mansfield Senior Hail Mary attempt ended the game in Trotwood Madison’s favor, 14-7.
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Coach Chioke Bradley addressed the team after the game, “I love y’all. What you did for this community, it’s bigger than football.”
Mansfield Senior was the first, and proved it belong here on the biggest stage.
Fact is, the Tygers roared all season long, posting a 9-1 regular-season record. Once the playoff spot was earned, the fun really began.
The Tygers easily dispatched their first two opponents, Bay (28-0) and Holy Name (45-30).
In the regional title game against Sandusky, a team Mansfield Senior defeated during the regular season, Senior High got it done in overtime, 15-9.
In the state semifinals, the Tygers again went to the brink, defeating Aurora in double overtime, 27-21.
No, it didn’t end Friday the way anyone in Richland County wanted to see it end. That’s not the way life always works. Dreams don’t always come true.
It was a tough ending.
But when that pain subsides, and it will, the memories of what this team accomplished this season will truly last a lifetime.
These Tygers did indeed have the juice. And they allowed the community to enjoy every last drop.
