BARNESVILLE – After giving up 21 second-half points in a (42-21) loss to Independence in week 8 at Marietta College’s Don Drumm Stadium, the Barnesville defense wasn’t pleased with its performance. However, following back-to-back 34-0 shutouts there are a lot of smiling faces in western Belmont County.

The second blanking came Friday night in an Ohio Division V, Region 19 quarterfinal playoff game at Shamrock Stadium against visiting No. 5 Portsmouth (8-4). With the win, the Shamrocks (9-2) will travel to top-ranked Wheelersburg (11-0) next Friday with a berth in the regional finals on the line. The Pirates, who dispatched Morgan 43-3 last night, have ended Barnesville’s season each of the last three years.

“I’m really proud of the guys. Having that bye week, you never know, but the kids

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