The Rams likely bought into that, kind of. When your program has dropped 22 straight games to an opponent, that’s a challenge to block out.
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“We had to make the (losing) streak end,” admitted standout junior receiver/linebacker David Schweinefuss. “We can’t do anything about the history. Everybody had it the back of their mind we wanted to stop this, we wanted to end it and start something new.”
Badin (4-2, 1-0) did just that, landing a 42-7 knockout on visiting Alter (4-2, 0-1) at Virgil Schwarm Stadium last Friday. Suddenly, it’s Badin that has reversed its season and will take a four-game win streak to Chaminade Julienne (5-1, 1-0) in Week 7 on Friday while Alter is reeling.
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Appropriately, defeating Alter jettisoned Badin into a tie with CJ for No. 10 in Division III in the Associated Press weekly state polls that were released on Monday. Alter also fell out of the D-III state poll.
Badin’s defeat of Alter helped scramble the D-III, Region 12 computer rankings. Badin improved one spot to No. 3 and Ross (5-1) dropped out of a tie with Badin to No. 6 after dodging Edgewood 21-20 in overtime.
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Alter, No. 9 last week, skidded to No. 11 and likely must win out to secure a Region 12 spot. That’s unfamiliar territory for the Knights; Alter has qualified for the postseason the last 18 seasons. Among the teams Alter must pass to advance to the postseason is Franklin (5-1), which is No. 5. Only the top eight teams qualify.
CJ is No. 1 in Region 12, which puts a premium on Friday’s outcome against Badin.
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Schweinefuss and his twin brother Michael Schweinefuss were two key defensive parts for Badin in shutting down Alter. It was the first time in Alter program history the Knights were hit with a second-half running clock following a 30-point differential in the regular season.
“We’re playing together,” David Schweinefuss said. “We’ve got some energy. We got some juice and it’s flowing.”
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No question about that, especially since the Rams began the season 0-2 with tough-luck losses to Ross (21-20 OT) and Talawanda (24-17). Since then Edgewood, Roger Bacon, Purcell Marian and now Alter all have felt Badin’s renewed energy. That was Bacon’s only loss, a major computer-points booster for Badin.
Alter had no answer for Badin senior quarterback Zach Switzer. He completed 14 of 22 passes for a career-high 226 yards and three touchdowns. Marshal Flaig had six catches for 59 yards and Josh Hegemann four receptions for 97 yards and a score.
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Evan Schlensker had 13 tackles against the Knights and Michael Schweinefuss 10. Badin intercepted three passes, one each by Bobby Young, Jayden Carter and a Schlensker.
“We were aware of the streak,” admitted Yordy. “I told the kids we couldn’t focus on it. If we’re worried about that, we’re worried about the wrong things. I’m happy and proud of our kids. Offense, defense, special teams had a great night. It was an all-around team effort.”
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