ANDERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The Anderson High School football team continues to show why it’s one of Ohio’s top teams this season regardless of division.
The Raptors defeated visiting Winton Woods 31-17 Friday night at Charles L. Brown Stadium. Anderson clinched at least a share of the Eastern Cincinnati Conference title.
Anderson has a 9-0 record for the first time since the 2009 season. The Raptors have unofficially clinched the No. 1 seed in Division II, Region 8. Anderson's signature win this season occurred during senior night.
"What a great game," Anderson coach Evan Dreyer said. "When you talk about atmospheres and two teams that are really, really good. They played a great game. I'm super excited for our kids, our community. We haven't been 9-0 since 2009."
Anderson senior quarterback Justice Burnam threw for three touchdowns and rushed for another score to lead the Raptors, who led 21-14 at halftime Friday night.
Burnam's second touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Trace Jallick helped give the Raptors a 31-17 advantage.
"That was awesome," Dreyer said. "That was a senior moment. Those guys played youth football together since kindergarten. To be on senior night to hit that connection and see those smiles was awesome."
Anderson (9-0, 8-0 Eastern Cincinnati Conference) concludes the regular season at Loveland Oct. 25.
The Raptors entered Friday night ranked No. 5 in the MaxPreps Ohio rankings (regardless of division). They ranked No. 4 in the Division II rankings.
Anderson is ranked No. 1 in the Division II, Region 8 computer points standings. The Raptors have unofficially clinched a home playoff game Nov. 1, according to playoff projections analyst Joe Eitel.
Entering Friday night, Anderson had outscored opponents, 408 to 46.
Entering Friday night, Burnam threw for 2,235 yards and 27 touchdowns. Burnam entered Friday night with 6,665 yards passing for his career. He needs 7,000 yards passing to join the state’s all-time career passing yards list.
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