Lima Central Catholic’s football team defeated Columbus Grove 13-6 on Friday night at Clymer Stadium, putting an end to two significant winning streaks held by the Bulldogs. The victory snapped Columbus Grove’s impressive 26-game winning streak in the Northwest Conference and also broke a four-game win streak the Bulldogs had maintained over LCC. LCC coach Colin Stolly praised his team's effort following the contest, calling it a “gritty football win against a gritty football team.”
LCC senior Brady Parker was a pivotal player for the T-Birds late in the game. He scored a four-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter, giving LCC the lead for good. Parker then sealed the win by ending Columbus Grove’s next two drives with interceptions. His first theft came on a fourth-down play as the Bulldogs had driven to LCC's 32-yard line, picking off a throw from freshman quarterback Rylan Palte. Parker's second interception definitively ended Columbus Grove’s final attempt to tie the game, with just 1:55 remaining in regulation.
Parker expressed his excitement after the win, stating that the feeling was “so amazing” and “unbelievable,” especially given that Columbus Grove had “had our number the past couple of years.” He emphasized the team's unity, noting they “played for our brothers.” Coach Stolly acknowledged the Bulldogs as a “great football team” and admitted both defenses played well. Parker later articulated his belief that “defense wins championships, offense wins games,” highlighting the satisfaction of contributing on both sides of the ball.
The game, which also served as Military Appreciation Night at Clymer Stadium with special uniforms for the Bulldogs and military displays, saw both teams struggle with turnovers early. On the very first play, LCC’s Jordan Neal recorded his fourth interception of the season, setting up the T-Birds at the Columbus Grove 33. However, Columbus Grove's Brady Basinger quickly returned the favor, intercepting a pass from LCC's Brady Parker after LCC picked up a first down.
Columbus Grove broke the scoreless tie early in the second quarter when Gavin Baxter capped a 12-play drive with a five-yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt was blocked, putting the Bulldogs up 6-0. LCC got on the scoreboard late in the half with a 43-yard field goal from Brevan Stolly, making the score 6-3 at halftime in favor of Columbus Grove.
Coming out of halftime down 6-3, the T-Birds had an opportunity to take the lead but were stopped on fourth-and-goal at the Columbus Grove one-yard line. On the very next play from scrimmage, LCC linebacker G’Vonte Davis pushed back a Columbus Grove run for a safety, narrowing the gap to 6-5. Following the free kick, LCC started a drive from the Columbus Grove 44. From there, Brady Parker orchestrated the drive with both his “arm and legs” to position LCC for another score. Parker then powered his way into the end zone from four yards out, giving LCC the lead. Michael Quatman added a two-point conversion run, extending LCC's advantage to 13-6, which proved to be the final score. Parker described the game-winning drive as “hard-nosed LCC football” and praised the team's second-half performance, stating they were “just playing for one another.”
With the win, Lima Central Catholic improved its record to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the Northwest Conference. The T-Birds are scheduled to travel to Allen East for their next game. Columbus Grove now stands at 3-1 overall and 0-1 in conference play and will visit Spencerville next week.
