RICHLAND COUNTY, Ohio — This is the tale of two teams in one town, fighting for a state title. The Lucas and Mansfield football teams are making history together in Richland County.
- For the first time in school history, the Mansfield Tygers will compete for the state title this Friday
- The Lucas Cubs are also competing for a state title for the first time ever
- Both teams in Richland County are coming together as one, as both schools make history in their divisions
It was under last Friday night's lights, the Mansfield Tygers would seal their fate for a spot in the state championship game.
"I threw the pass to him and I ran to the other side of the end zone," said Cameron Todd, quarterback, Mansfield Senior varsity football team.
In double overtime and in field goal range, instead of kicking, the team decided to go for it on fourth down.
A couple of plays later, quarterback Cameron Todd threw the ball to wide receiver Angelo Grose for a game-winning touchdown.
"I just seen it in the air and I was like, man catch this... caught it... I was just excited, the team jumped on me and it was just great," said Angelo Grose, wide receiver, Mansfield Senior varsity football team.
It's the first time in school history the Division III football team will compete for a state title.
"We've never had one, we've never had a state championship. The ultimate goal is to go out and win, definitely wanna win, we came too far," said Chioke Bradley, head football coach, Mansfield Senior varsity football team.
Nine miles down the road, in Richland County, sits Lucas High School.
Its Division VII football team is also heading to the state championship game — a first for the district.
"I never pictured it to be us, but I never doubted the teams before us to do it, it just fell in our lap and we took it," said Riley Mounts, wide receiver, Lucas varsity football team.
Two schools, one county, and one dream.
Not rivals — but they're now each other's biggest fans.
Both schools attended each team's send off celebrations — uniting the Tygers and the Cubs — as both teams make history.
“It's just amazing for our entire county that both schools are experiencing this success at the same time,” said Scott Spitler, head football coach, Lucas varsity football team.
As both teams look to bring home a championship win for the first time, they're already learning no matter the score, it's much bigger than football.
"I think that's pretty cool football can, you know, change people and change the way communities look at each other," said Todd.
"It's awesome right now what's going on in this little area, this little 20-mile area, I'm just really thankful for it," said Logan Niswander, quarterback, Lucas varsity football team.
The Mansfield championship game is this Friday and Lucas is set to play on Saturday.
