MOUNT HEALTHY, Ohio — The Mount Healthy football team won its third consecutive game Friday night, defeating visiting Taft 20-16 in the WCPO 9 Friday Football Game of the Week.
"It means we're putting something together," Mount Healthy coach Jordan Stevens said. "Taft was an amazing opponent. Super tough. Great athletes. I was just really proud of the fight."
The Owls entered Friday as No. 9 in the Division II, Region 8 computer points standings. Taft entered Friday night as No. 2 in the Division IV, Region 16 computer points standings.
"Two powerhouse teams coming together kind of figuring it out," Stevens said. "I was just so proud of the team."
Mount Healthy senior QB Jahmeir Spain got the scoring started with a 24-yard touchdown pass to WR Jeremiah Sanders in the first quarter. Just a few minutes later, junior RB Karvis Davis scored on a 7-yard run to help make it 14-0.
After a scoreless first half, Taft sophomore QB Monsanna Torbert connected with junior WR Nijia Hill for a 96-yard touchdown. Torbert then scored on a 2-point conversion, making it 14-8 in the third.
In the fourth, senior RB Raishawn Cotton scored what would be the game-winning touchdown for the Owls. Torbert was able to once again run it in for the Senators, with senior Jahvion Jarmon finding Hill for another 2-point conversion, but Taft would fall 20-16.
Friday’s game was the first contest of a home-and-home series between Mount Healthy and Taft.
"It's turning out to be a great battle not only for us as teams but for the city in general," Stevens said. "Just bringing us together. A hard-fought battle. I just think it's great for the city."
While hosted at Mount Healthy, the game was played with limited attendance Friday night — only parents and guardians of students as well as pre-approved adults were admitted after a Taft High School student was shot near the school shortly after dismissal Thursday afternoon.
Mount Healthy (3-1) plays at Fenwick (2-2) Sept. 20. Taft (3-1) plays at Thurgood Marshall (0-4) Sept. 19.
SIGN UP: Subscribe to our high school sports newsletter
