In a decisive first-round Wild Card playoff showdown, the Triangles, under head coach Eric Helmick, delivered a near-flawless performance, shutting down Robert Courtney's Lumber Jacks 45-2 on home turf in Dayton. This game stood out as a textbook example of effective scheme execution, coaching adjustments, and a multifaceted offensive attack keeping opponents off balance across all three phases.

From the outset, Helmick’s unit established control using varied formations and disciplined execution. The Triangles' offense, led by quarterback Peter Hoyt, displayed tactical finesse in both the air and ground game. Hoyt completed 23 of 44 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns, manipulating the Lumber Jacks' secondary and finding key mismatches throughout the contest. Notably, the connection to tight end Anthony Escobar was pivotal, with Escobar hauling in 94 receiving yards against an understaffed Lumber Jacks defense struggling to adapt to multiple personnel packages.

The early scoring sequence set the tone: Donald Preusser knocked through two pivotal field goals (25 and 47 yards) aided by crisp protection and coverage. The Triangles' punting unit, led by Mike Copeland, was exceptional, pinning Lumber Jacks deep multiple times, such as the 58-yard punt late in the second quarter that flipped field position and took pressure off the defensive unit.

The ground game was equally methodical and impactful. James Garcia paced the Triangles’ rushing attack with 113 yards. His dual-threat ability also emerged with 36 receiving yards and a touchdown, highlighting Helmick’s scheme to stretch defenses horizontally and vertically. Running backs Angelo Becker and George Hamilton contributed with combined rushing touchdowns, capitalizing on well-executed blocking schemes that opened lanes for decisive gains within short-yardage situations.

Defensively, the Triangles operated behind a sturdy front that leveraged a 4-3-PLL base alignment, adapting fluidly to Lumber Jacks’ attempts to generate offense. Defensive end Carlos Grady was a disruptive force, forcefully pressuring quarterback Norman Cheshire and forcing a critical fumble in the second quarter. Despite only two sacks allowed, the Lumber Jacks’ offense was visibly rattled by relentless pursuit and strategic coverage, producing two interceptions that afforded the Triangles multiple offensive possessions.

Significantly, the Triangles' pressure culminated in a safety midway through the third quarter, when Hoyt was sacked deep in their own territory by Keith Austin of the Lumber Jacks; this play underscored the tactical gamble of questionable offensive protection yet highlighted Helmick's defense maintaining composure under pressure.

The game script saw dynamic adjustments, including utilizing a mix of passing routes to stretch coverage and orchestrating a punishing rushing attack that kept the Lumber Jacks defense guessing. Coach Helmick’s decision to aggressively fuse field goal opportunities early and capitalize in the red zone set an unyielding pace.

On the flip side, the Lumber Jacks struggled to generate consistent offense. Quarterback Norman Cheshire finished with 138 passing yards, two interceptions, and failed to find the end zone as his offense was stifled by Helmick's defensive schemes. The Jacks’ eight penalties for 65 yards further disrupted any momentum they attempted to build.

Overall, this dominant 45-2 win for the Triangles clears a path forward in the postseason with strong momentum. Helmick’s approach—focused on balanced offensive distribution, disciplined special teams execution, and adaptive defensive schematics—proved overwhelming for the Lumber Jacks. For Dayton's faithful, this performance serves as a promising blueprint for deeper playoff runs ahead.