Marysville High School Football Moves to 2–2 After Facing Explosive Hilliard Bradley Team
Updated: 2 hours ago
Published: September 14, 2026
Sport: High School Football
Final Score: Hilliard Bradley 41, Marysville 7
Marysville entered Friday night with momentum after earning consecutive victories over KIPP Columbus and Lancaster. The Monarchs left Hilliard with a 2–2 record following a difficult 41–7 loss to an explosive Bradley team that showed how quickly a few big plays can change a game. The final score was lopsided, but it came against a talented Division I opponent that improved to 3–1 and has now scored at least 41 points in consecutive games.
Bradley strikes immediately
Marysville knew Bradley possessed big-play potential, but the Jaguars needed only one offensive snap to show it.
Bradley scored on a 75-yard touchdown on its first play from scrimmage. A penalty was the only thing that prevented another long touchdown on the Jaguars’ second offensive play.
Despite that difficult opening, Marysville kept the game manageable throughout the first quarter. Bradley carried a 10–0 lead into the second.
That is when the game changed.
The Jaguars scored 24 points during the second quarter and entered halftime with a 34–0 advantage. They added another touchdown in the third before Marysville broke through during the final period.
Scoring by quarter
Team | First | Second | Third | Fourth | Final |
Marysville | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
Hilliard Bradley | 10 | 24 | 7 | 0 | 41 |
Bradley’s quick start forced Marysville away from the controlled, physical style that helped the Monarchs defeat Lancaster 15–10 one week earlier.
Sophomore AJ Shroyer steps into a difficult assignment
Marysville entered the game without senior starting quarterback Evan Beany, who suffered an injury during the victory over Lancaster.
That placed sophomore AJ Shroyer in the starting role against a fast and aggressive Bradley defense.
Shroyer had been pressed into action against Lancaster and helped Marysville protect its lead. Facing Bradley on the road was a much different challenge, especially after the Monarchs fell behind by multiple possessions.
Starting at quarterback as a sophomore is demanding under any circumstances. Doing so against a team capable of scoring 24 points in one quarter made the assignment even more difficult.
The bright side is that Shroyer received meaningful varsity experience against a quality Division I opponent. He was forced to make decisions under pressure, operate from behind and continue competing after the game moved away from Marysville.
Those snaps can help his development as the season continues.
Marysville’s offense never found its normal rhythm
The Monarchs are at their best when they can establish the running game, control possession and keep their defense away from repeated short fields.
Bradley’s opening touchdown and 24-point second quarter disrupted that formula.
Marysville could no longer remain patient offensively. The Jaguars played aggressively with the lead and forced the Monarchs into situations that did not favor a young quarterback making his first varsity start.
Marysville continued competing and reached the end zone during the fourth quarter, preventing Bradley from recording a shutout.
Complete individual statistics from the game were not publicly posted, but the scoring progression illustrated the challenge. Marysville was held scoreless through three quarters, while Bradley repeatedly created explosive plays and favorable field position.
Colin Wimmers remains a major bright spot
Senior running back Colin Wimmers entered Friday following one of the best performances of his season. Wimmers rushed for 160 yards and scored a touchdown in Marysville’s 15–10 victory over Lancaster. That effort earned him recognition as the Monarchs’ player of the week. The early deficit against Bradley made it difficult for Marysville to continue feeding its traditional running game, but Wimmers remains central to the offense.
When the Monarchs can stay within their system, control the line and create consistent opportunities for their running backs, Wimmers has shown that he can carry a significant portion of the offense. His experience will also be important as Shroyer continues developing at quarterback.
Young players continue gaining experience
Shroyer is not the only young Monarch receiving important varsity opportunities.
Marysville has several underclassmen contributing on Friday nights, including sophomore Mamour Saidy, who continues gaining experience in the secondary.
That experience may come with difficult moments, especially against teams with Bradley’s speed. It also gives Marysville an opportunity to develop players who could become major parts of the program’s future.
The Monarchs are learning while competing through a demanding Division I schedule. Every varsity snap against a quality opponent helps prepare those younger players for future OCC games.
The defense has already shown it can win close games
Friday’s result was difficult, but Marysville’s defense demonstrated its potential one week earlier.
The Monarchs held Lancaster to 10 points in a 15–10 victory. That performance showed Marysville can win a physical game when the defense limits explosive plays and the offense controls possession.
Bradley created the opposite type of matchup. The Jaguars scored from 75 yards on their opening snap and used a 24-point second quarter to take Marysville out of its preferred approach.
The difference between those two games gives the Monarchs a clear example of how important field position and explosive-play prevention will be moving forward.
Bradley continues its strong response
Hilliard Bradley opened its season with a 32–7 loss to Big Walnut but has responded with three consecutive victories:
➡️ Bradley 25, Hilliard Darby 19
➡️ Bradley 56, Grove City 21
➡️ Bradley 41, Marysville 7
The Jaguars have outscored their last two opponents 97–28 and improved to 3–1.
Bradley’s offense can score through sustained drives or strike from anywhere on the field. Its 75-yard opening touchdown immediately placed Marysville under pressure, while the 24-point second quarter put the game out of reach.
Another tough opponent awaits Marysville
The schedule does not become easier for the Monarchs.
Marysville returns home September 18 to face Upper Arlington, which enters the matchup with a 3–1 record.
The Golden Bears opened their season with three consecutive victories before suffering a competitive 28–21 loss to New Albany. Upper Arlington will present another strong test for Marysville’s defense and young quarterback.
The remainder of Marysville’s schedule includes:
➡️ September 18 — Upper Arlington at Marysville
➡️ September 25 — Dublin Jerome at Marysville
➡️ October 2 — Marysville at Olentangy
➡️ October 9 — Thomas Worthington at Marysville
➡️ October 16 — Olentangy Berlin at Marysville
➡️ October 23 — Marysville at Hilliard Darby
Every remaining opponent competes in Division I, and four currently have records of .500 or better.
The schedule is challenging, but it also gives Marysville several opportunities to earn meaningful victories and strengthen its playoff position.
There are reasons for optimism at 2–2
Marysville has already shown several positive signs through four weeks.
The Monarchs responded to an opening loss by winning two consecutive games. They scored 35 points against KIPP Columbus and then proved they could win a much different kind of contest by holding off Lancaster 15–10.
Wimmers has emerged as a dependable senior runner. Shroyer is gaining valuable experience at quarterback. Younger players are receiving meaningful varsity snaps, and the defense has already demonstrated that it can carry the team through a close game.
Friday’s loss does not erase those developments.
Marysville is 2–2 with six regular-season games remaining. The Monarchs now return home for two consecutive games, providing an opportunity to settle back into their identity and respond in front of their home crowd.
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