Columbus Grove facing similar opponent in Versailles

A season ago, Columbus Grove had its season ended in the Division VI state semifinals by eventual state champion Marion Local. A Midwest Athletic Conference team. This year, the Bulldogs are a game away from playing for a state title. Standing in their way is Versailles, which is in the same conference as Marion Local. Columbus Grove will play the Tigers tonight in the state semifinals at Wapakoneta at 7 p.m. Grove lineman Kyle Lathrop was asked what he knows about Versailles. "We know it's a MAC team," Lathrop said. "Last year, our season got ended by a MAC team. We don't want our season to be ended by a MAC team this year." Versailles, coached by Ryan Jones, enters tonight's game with the same record as the Bulldogs: 12-2. Columbus Grove coach Andy Schafer said the teams have more in common than that. "It's funny, I have talked to (Jones) in the past," Schafer said. "He spoke at a clinic, and I spoke at a clinic, and if you would have hit 'record' on it, it probably would have sounded identical." Versailles is led on offense by quarterback Michael Osborne, who ran and threw for a touchdown in the Tigers' 41-14 win over Anna. The squad also has a strong running back in Joel Gehret, who rushed for three scores in the regional final. "They run almost exactly the same offense as what we run, with an h-back, tight end-type set," Schafer said. "Obviously they're a respected program; they're in the MAC." Versailles defense also is tough. It started the season with three straight shutouts, and has four this year. The Tigers also had four more games where they allowed eight points or less. Columbus Grove has its own credentials. The Bulldogs began the season 1-2, but have rattled off 11 straight victories behind steady contributions from running back Trenton Barraza, receiver Zach Reynolds and quarterback Landon Best, as well as a stout defense. Barraza said the Bulldogs will be ready for tonight's game. "Week 15, it's win or go home," Barraza said. "We're going all out." Columbus Grove defeated Northwest Conference rival Bluffton, 17-10, in the regional final last week. Barraza said he felt like the Bulldogs let Bluffton back in the game. Grove led 17-0 in the first half and 17-3 at the break. Even Schafer admitted he was "comfortable" at the half. 'I'm not gonna lie. We got up at halftime, 17-3, and then we kinda came out in the second half and got a little bit complacent," Barraza said. "That happens a lot. We've got to keep going. We've got to keep our foot on the gas." Barraza and Columbus Grove could get that chance tonight. And to make sure the season doesn't end against a MAC school.