LOUISVILLE — The Louisville High School football team team appears primed for a breakthrough soon. Unfortunately, it would not come during Friday's home opener against a physical New Philadelphia team.
The Quakers used their rugged defense to limit the Leopards to just three first downs and 92 yards of total offense on the way to a 12-7 win over the Leopards.
"I was very proud of our kids tonight," New Philadelphia head coach Mike Johnson said. "We were physical and played fast and that led to us getting some key stops."
New Philadelphia senior quarterback Keaton Fausel ran for two touchdowns to account for the scoring for New Philadelphia. Fausel scored on runs of 8 and 11 yards. He carried 18 times for 116 yards.
"He's just a guy you can lean on," Johnson said. "It's a great comfort to have him out on the field in a tight game because you know he is going to make good decisions. You know he is going to take care of the football. It's just one less worry you have to have when Keaton Fausel is out on the field for you late in a game."
Despite struggling on offense, Louisville proved to be no easy win. The Leopards forced two turnovers, one of which helped Louisville take a 7-6 lead into halftime. Jacob Paumier recovered a New Philadelphia fumble at the Quaker 3-yard line on a punt return to set up a 3-yard touchdown run by quarterback Tate Aljancic in the second quarter.
"We try to hunt the football on defense and special teams," Louisville head coach Chris Kappas said. "If the offense isn't working for you on a given night, you can try to create a break and give yourself a chance. I thought we did that tonight."
Kappas was pleased with the strides his team made in the offseason and the effort Louisville gave in its opener.
"This teams best football is ahead of it," Kappas said. "Our culture is exponentially better than it was last year. We just have to learn how to win. I love these kids and I trust our process. I think time will show these kids are making strides."
Louisville also suffered a major blow on the opener kickoff when tight end Wyatt Smith suffered a head injury. Smith was taken off the field on a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance. He was able to give the crowd a thumbs up before departing.
"He took a shot to the head," Kappas said. "It was scary and unfortunate. We haven't gotten a full update on him but he did send a picture of himself from the hospital showing he was alert and conscious. We hope to know more soon."
Here's how the game unfolded throughout our live updates.
New Philadelphia holds on to win
Neither team scored in the fourth quarter but that was fine with New Philadelphia. It was enough to help the Quakers secure a 12-7 victory over Louisville to open the season. The New Philadelphia defense was exceptional all night and limited Louisville to three first downs, including just one in the second half. Louisville recovered a New Philadelphia fumble at the Quaker 45 with five minutes to play but the Quakers forced a punt after a three-and-out to end the Leopard threat. New Philadelphia was able to run out the clock after regaining possession with just over three minutes left.
New Philadelphia secures lead late in third quarter
New Philadelphia quarterback Keaton Fausel scrambled for an 11-yard touchdown with 2:27 to go in the third quarter to give the Quakers their first lead of the night at 12-7. The 2-point conversion run attempt was stuffed by Louisville. The touchdown was set up by a 45-yard run by sophomore Kolston Fox on the previous play by New Philadelphia. The Quakers forced a three-and-out by Louisville on the ensuing drive. The Quakers ran out the clock on the third quarter in its next possession and will have it third-and-4 at their own 34 yard line to start the fourth quarter with a 12-7 lead.
Blocked extra point keeps Louisville in lead heading into halftime
New Philadelphia senior Keaton Fausel scored a late touchdown in the second quarter on an 8-yard run with just 19 seconds on the clock. Louisville blocked the extra point to maintain the lead. The Leopards took a knee after the ensuing kickoff to run out the clock on the first half. The Leopards are up 7-6 and will receive the ball to start the second half.
Louisville strikes first
Quarterback Tate Aljancic scores the first touchdown of the game on a 3-yard keeper up the middle for Louisville. The kick was good to give the Leopards a 7-0 lead. The scoring play was set up by a fumble recovery and 6-yard return to the Quaker 3-yard line by Louisville senior Jacob Paumier on a punt return. Aljancic scored on the next play.
New Philadelphia and Louisville scoreless after one quarter
New Philadelphia and Louisville are tied 0-0 after the first quarter. It's been a defensive struggle thus far. The Leopards have limited the Quakers to 24 yards of total offense. Louisville gained 36 yards of total offense. New Philadelphia will have the ball at its own 38-yard line to start the second quarter.
Louisville player injured on opening kickoff
An unfortunate start to the high school football season. An unidentified Leopard was injured on the opening kickoff and taken off the field on a stretcher. The injured Louisville player was able to give a thumbs up to the crowd before departing. The Leopard was loaded into an ambulance and was taken to a local hospital.
Watch Ohio High School Football Live on the NFHS Network all season
New Philadelphia vs. Louisville OHSAA high school pregame primer
New Philadelphia (6-5) returns first-team All-Ohio QB Keaton Fausel, who surpassed 1,000 yards rushing and passing last season. Fausel returns two top targets in second-team All-OCC wide receivers Pete DiDonato and Carson Long.
Chris Kappas begins his second season as the head coach at Louisville (1-9), which will feature starting QB Tate Aljancic. He led the Leopards JV team to a 7-3 record last year. WR Cooper Rice and TEs Kolton Loy and Austin Wade return as his top targets.
New Philadelphia football's score vs. Louisville last year
New Philadelphia won last year’s meeting 42-21.
More: Louisville Leopards 2024 high school football schedule, preview
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This article originally appeared on The Repository: OHSAA football | New Philadelphia vs. Louisville high school football recap, highlights
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