Versailles overcomes self-inflicted adversity to earn first MAC win
JD Nye, Versailles Policy
FORT RECOVERY — Versailles endured penalties, missed opportunities and several dramatic swings in momentum Friday night, but when the Tigers needed their biggest plays, they found them.
Junior Damien Barga scored twice, including the game-winning touchdown reception with 15 seconds remaining, as Versailles defeated Fort Recovery 28-21 for its first Midwest Athletic Conference victory under first-year head coach Scott Broerman.
The win moved Versailles to 3-2 overall and 1-2 in the MAC, while Fort Recovery fell to 2-3 and 1-2.
“Kids fought, they fought the whole game, so proud of them,” Broerman said.
Versailles had opportunities to take control early. After forcing a three-and-out on Fort Recovery’s opening possession, Oliver Brunswick returned the ensuing punt inside the Indians’ 10-yard line. The Tigers drove to the doorstep but were stopped on fourth down near the half-yard line.
Later in the first quarter, Versailles appeared to break through when Brunswick hauled in a long touchdown pass, only to have the play erased by a holding penalty.
Things quickly got worse.
A high snap on a Versailles punt attempt was picked up by Fort Recovery and returned for a touchdown, giving the Indians a 7-0 lead despite the Tigers controlling much of the opening quarter.
Versailles responded exactly the way Broerman wanted.
The Tigers leaned on their running game, driving down the field before Collin Francis scored from one yard out with 5:54 remaining in the second quarter. The extra point tied the game at 7-7.
“We were ripping about five yards a play, maybe a little bit more,” Broerman said. “It was a nice drive, especially after [them] getting that touchdown on that bad snap.”
The defenses took over from there. The teams traded four consecutive three-and-outs to finish the half, sending the game to halftime tied at seven.
Versailles’ defense was particularly impressive, limiting Fort Recovery to just 30 yards of offense in the first half. The Tigers had moved the ball considerably better but had only seven points to show for it after the failed fourth-and-goal, the touchdown erased by penalty and the special teams mistake.
Fort Recovery attempted an onside kick to open the second half, but Versailles recovered. The Tigers again moved into Fort Recovery territory before being stopped on fourth-and-two.
This time, the Indians took advantage of the failed conversion and good field position by connecting on a deep pass to move into Versailles territory.
However, a bad snap by the Indians appeared to result in a substantial loss, but a late-hit penalty against the Tigers instead extended the drive. On the next play, the Indians connected on another deep pass, this one for a touchdown and a 14-7 lead.
Penalties were an unusual problem for a Versailles team that entered the night among the MAC’s least penalized teams.
“Obviously I was frustrated,” Broerman said. “We’ve been really clean this year. … We got to fight through them and the kids did, so kudos to them.”
The Tigers didn’t stay behind for long.
Cole Brewer broke a long run on the ensuing possession before Barga burst free for a 33-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 14-14 with 5:26 remaining in the third quarter.
It was the beginning of a big night for Barga, who has worked his way back into the offense after dealing with injuries early in the season.
Broerman said Barga’s return adds another dimension to a backfield that has relied on players who also carry significant responsibilities defensively.
“It gives us some depth,” Broerman said. “We have other backs who have been playing real well as well, but they also play defense nonstop. So, the depth and getting some fresh legs in there helps. Also, he’s hungry. He waited for how long. So it’s good to see him get back in there.”
With the score still tied in the fourth quarter, a problem that had plagued Fort Recovery throughout the night finally cost the Indians possession. A snap sailed over the quarterback’s head and Versailles recovered.
The Tigers then faced another critical fourth down on the ensuing possession, this time they finally converted a fourth down to keep the drive alive, converting on fourth-and-one. Then, a personal foul against Fort Recovery added valuable yardage and helped set up first-and-goal.
Quarterback Blake Monnin finished the drive himself, scoring on an eight-yard keeper with 3:46 remaining to put Versailles ahead 21-14.
Fort Recovery answered almost immediately.
A breakdown in the Versailles secondary left an Indians receiver wide open downfield. The receiver fell after making the catch, but Fort Recovery had the ball near the Tigers’ 20. On the next play, the Indians scored on a 23-yard run out of the Wildcat formation to tie the game at 21-21 with 2:48 remaining.
“Our secondary got a little bit nosy there a time or two,” Broerman said of the Tigers’ issues defending the deep ball. “We gotta clean those up and make sure we got guys ready and keep working with them.”
That left Versailles needing one more drive.
Noah Hayes provided a strong kickoff return, giving the Tigers possession near the Fort Recovery 40-yard line. With the clock winding down, Monnin took over.
Facing third-and-one near the Indians’ 38 with approximately a minute remaining, Monnin picked up the first down. He followed with one of the biggest plays of the night, breaking loose on a quarterback draw to the Fort Recovery 20 and putting Versailles within field-goal range.
Monnin wasn’t finished.
He completed another pass to move the Tigers to the seven-yard line with 22 seconds remaining. Then, with 15 seconds on the clock, Monnin stood in the pocket and delivered a pass toward the corner of the end zone.
Barga made the catch in bounds for the touchdown. A beautiful catch and throw by the duo.
Versailles 28, Fort Recovery 21.
“Blake made a huge play on that draw to get us into field goal range,” Broerman said. “He’s a competitor and a gamer. Calm demeanor. He also hung in there that touchdown pass and made a perfect pass in the corner.”
For Monnin, the finish was particularly meaningful after injuries had limited him during the previous two weeks.
“I’m proud of him as I know he worked hard this week to prepare himself to be able to play the whole game,” Broerman said.
The final seconds expired, giving Versailles a much-needed conference victory after consecutive losses to St. Henry and Marion Local.
For Broerman, it also marked career MAC win No. 1 as the Tigers’ head coach.
“It’s feels pretty good,” Broerman said after getting his first conference win under his belt. “It’s been a stressful couple weeks, but you know, we got to go after it and now get another one next week.”
Versailles will return home Friday to host New Bremen.
