PLAYING WELL AT THE RIGHT TIME...is what Ryan Fosnaugh and the Ansonia Tigers are doing as they head into the state play-offs.

OCTOBER 24, 2008 - WEST ALEXANDRIA
The Ansonia Tigers took care of business of Friday with a convincing 48-13 victory over Twin Valley South and were rewarded with the seventh seed in the Region 24 bracket - good for a state play-off birth.

The path the Tigers took was one of the unexpected, many highs and some big disappointments.

The season started with a 48-6 loss to Fort Recovery as a Tiger team with just four seniors hadn't found their groove.

But five straight wins over National Trail, Bradford, Arcanum, Mississinawa Valley and Bethel followed, giving the young Tigers some confidence and momentum midway through the season.

Looking to make a statement in week seven, Ansonia jumped all over Covington to take a 27-14 lead midway through the third quarter. But the Buccs scored 21 unanswered points to steal the victory, 35-27.

Behind talented skill players in sophomore quarterback Derek Bubeck, sophomore running back Brandon Liette and senior running back Ryan Fosnaugh, the Tigers responded in their final three games by playing their best football of the season.

First came a 42-10 victory over Tri-County North.

An impressive performance against Miami East followed as Ansonia jumped out to a 14-0 first half lead. Miami East responded with 20 unanswered points, but Ansonia had two more chances to get into the end zone.

Despite of falling short in the end as the Viking defense stood its ground to preserve the 20-14 victory, Ansonia proved it could play with the best teams in the area.

Needing a win in week ten to have any chance at a play-off birth, Ansonia dominated Twin Valley South 48-13.

Coach Hoening and the Tigers now face Lehman (8-1) in the first round on Friday at a site to be determined (most likely Sidney High School).

If the young Tigers continue to play the way they have in the second half of the season, Lehman will have its hands full.