SETTING THE SCENE: On the heels of a disappointing performance last week at West Clermont, Milford is back on the gridiron, looking to get back in the win column against state-ranked powerhouse Anderson. A sloppy second half doomed the Eagles a week ago as WC pulled away for a 49-21 win. Things won’t get any easier this week as the Raptors, who suffered their only regular season loss to the Eagles in 2023, come to town. Anderson scores nearly 50 points per game on offense, while allowing just four per game on defense. Milford will be seeking a third straight victory in the series against Anderson.
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The match-up by the numbers
A look at the Milford-Anderson match-up by the numbers (per game averages & conference team rankings):
§ Milford scoring offense (3rd-22.8) vs. Anderson scoring defense (2nd-4.0)
§ Milford total offense (4th-327.6) vs. Anderson total defense (2nd-159.4)
§ Milford rushing offense (4th-130.6) vs. Anderson rushing defense (3rd-100.8)
§ Milford passing offense (3rd-197.0) vs. Anderson passing defense (1st-58.6)
§ Anderson scoring offense (1st-49.8) vs. Milford scoring defense (3rd-17.2)
§ Anderson total offense (7th-472.2) vs. Milford total defense (6th-260.4)
§ Anderson rushing offense (5th-127.8) vs. Milford rushing defense (7th-141.2)
· Anderson passing offense (1st-344.4) vs. Milford passing defense (4th-119.2)
A look at Milford’s statistical leaders:
Rushing Yards: Jordan Davis (485, 4 TDs)
Passing Yards: Luke Brand (930, 8 TDs)
Receiving Yards: Caden Bailey (391, 7 TDs)
Tackles: Jake Dixon (44)
Sacks: Jake Dixon/Daniel Walker (2.0)
Interceptions: Isaiah Carranza/Tim Dick (1)
Kicking Points: Mason Cooper (18)
Punting Average: Tyler McQueen (35.4)
Kickoff Return Yards: Joey Dahmer (77, 0 TDs)
Punt Return Yards: Tim Dick (64, 0 TDs)
A look at Anderson’s statistical leaders:
Rushing Yards: Durrell Turner (356, 9 TDs)
Passing Yards: Justice Burnam (1,481, 16 TDs)
Receiving Yards: Trace Jallick (716, 6 TDs)
Tackles: Brady Kuhn (32)
Sacks: Reid Baker (3.5)
Interceptions: Four Tied (1)
Kicking Points: Lucas Callahan (15)
Punting Average: Justice Burnam (42.0)
Kickoff Return Yards: Trae Jallick (37, 0 TDs)
Punt Return Yards: Jayonn Saunders (214, 1 TD)
Notable 2024 Performances
Week 1
· New returnees on offense and a defensive newcomer all played important roles in Milford's season-opening win over Edgewood. Senior QB Luke Brand picked up where he left off last fall, completing 17-of-22 passes for 264 yards and four touchdowns, while adding a fifth score rushing. His favorite target was classmate Caden Bailey who finished with 10 catches for 155 yards and three touchdowns. On defense, junior Jake Dixon made his first start at LB a good one, as he finished with nine tackles and his first career sack.
Week 2
· Sophomore Jordan Davis, along with seniors Tim Dick and Mason Cooper, played starring roles in the Eagles' week two shutout victory over Walnut Hills. In just his second varsity game, Jordan had his breakout offensive performance, finishing with 175 yards from scrimmage (139 rushing and 36 receiving), while scoring two touchdowns. Tim helped the defense to a shutout by forcing a pair of turnovers, first a fumble, then later snagging his first interception of the year. He also added a tackle for loss. Mason showed why he's one of the area's top kickers by connecting on all five extra points and booting his first field goal of the year, a 27-yarder. In kicking off seven times, Cooper recorded six touchbacks with the other being fielded at the one-yard line.
Week 3
· Senior LB Christian Felix recorded his second double-figure tackles game of the season during week three against Winton Woods. Against the Warriors, Christian had a career-high 11 tackles, including one for loss.
Week 4
· Four Eagles turned in standout performances in Milford's victory in the Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown. Senior DB Landon Gorton was the game's MVP in the best game of his career. While roaming the secondary and keeping Loveland in check, he finished with four tackles and a pass break-up. Up front, classmate Daniel Walker had one solo sack and two half sacks, among his nine total tackles. Junior Sione Lolo played the entire game on the offensive line, along with several plays on defense as well. He finished with four tackles and one half sack. Junior punter Tyler McQueen was outstanding on special teams, averaging 47 yards per kick on his three punts with a long of 50.
Week 5
· After beginning the year as a starter on defense, senior Carter Ings had team-highs seven receptions for 68 yards, including a long of 24 against West Clermont. Jordan Davis got loose for a career-high 147 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Wolves, while also catching a pass for 30 more yards. But two costly fumbles by the sophomore plagued the otherwise standout performance.
A Historic Win
Now in his eighth year at Milford, head coach Tom Grippa has led the Eagle program to new heights with two conference champions, seven playoff appearances (including the program’s first-ever playoff victory) and who came forget last season’s memorable undefeated regular season. Now, Grippa has another distinction as Milford’s win over Loveland on September 13 produced his 54th victory on the Eagle sideline, making him the winningest coach in program history. He passes Jim Prather who accumulated 53 wins from 1984-96.
Preseason Notebook
Honors galore
Cincinnati.com increased its preseason coverage of local high school football, identifying top players in the Tri-State by position. Milford was well-represented on the lists by the following key players:
Senior Caden Bailey: on the radar WR
Senior Luke Brand: #16 overall player and top QBs listSenior Mason Cooper: top special teams players list and receiving votes for the preseason All-Ohio team presented by USA Today
Senior Tim Dick: on the radar DBs list
Senior Carter Ings: on the radar DBs list
Junior Sione Lolo: on the radar DL list and #24 player in the junior class locally
Senior Ethan Melgard: on the radar WR list
Senior Daniel Walker: top DL list
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