For the second straight week, the Wayne County High School Wildcats were shut out in football action. This time the 35 – 0 score was at the hands of the McEwen Warriors. Six turnovers, an interception, and five fumbles by the Wildcats kept the ‘Cats from being able to score. The Warriors took a 13 – 0 lead only three and a half minutes into the contest, going on to score in every quarter. The loss makes the ‘Cats’ record stand at 1 – 7 on the year.
The Wildcats kicked off to McEwen to open the game Friday night. It took the Warriors only three plays to cover the twenty yards for the touchdown, following a 67 yard return of the kick-off. They kicked the PAT to lead 7 – 0, a minute and a half into the contest. The ‘Cats managed only two yards on the next series, punting the ball back to the Warriors. They got the ball at the Wildcat 47. Two plays later, the score was 13 – 0, as McEwen scored on an 8 yard run, with 8:29 left in the first quarter.
The ‘Cats put together a 10 play, six minute drive, including a fake punt, but it stalled out at the Warrior 15. McEwen took the ball over on downs, and went 13 plays, but turned it back over on downs to the ‘Cats at their own 32. On the first play, the ‘Cats gave up an interception. McEwen then went 44 yards in 6 plays, scoring on a 7 yard run to make it 21 – 0, with 3 minutes left in the first half. The Wildcats got the ball back, but fumbled at the McEwen 45. The Wildcat defense forced a punt, and the Wildcats trailed 21 – 0 at the half.
In the second half, the Wildcats began by mishandling the kick, giving the ball back to the Warriors, only six seconds into the second half. The Wildcat defense forced a three play and punt series, but muffed the kick, giving the ball back for a second time in a row. McEwen took two plays to cover the 15 yards for another touchdown, scoring on a 2 yard run. The PAT was good to up the score to 28 – 0. The Wildcats fumbled two more times in the contest, and McEwen scored once more to take the 35 – 0 win.
The Wildcats managed only 112 yards rushing on 30 carries. Cade Crews was 6 of 14 passing for 76 yards with one interception. He carried the ball 3 times for 21 yards. JoJo Swinea rushed 19 times for 77 yards, while Hunter Staggs had 5 carries for 12 yards. Travis Paterson and Aaron Stooksberry each had one carry for 2 yards. Paterson caught 2 passes for 26 yards. Clay Baugus had one carry for 3 yards with a pass reception for 21 yards. Austin Whitson had 2 catches for 16 yards, and Gaines Keaton had one catch for 13 yards. The ‘Cats were penalized 9 times for 80 yards.
The Wildcat defense gave up 214 yards and 7 rushing touchdowns. The Warriors were 2 of 3 passing for 18 yards. Defensive backs Christian Teeftaller and Clay Baugus led in tackling with 6 hits each. Carson Van Fleet and Aaron Stooksberry each had 5 tackles, while JoJo Swinea, Josh Nutt, and Hunter Staggs each had 3.
Wesley Nutt, Travis Paterson, Tatum Potter, and Spencer Turnbow each had 2 hits, and Blayne Love, Jonmikel Lynn, Damian Dickey, Gavin Thompson, Tucker Andrews, Chance Kelley, Julian Birchett, and Austin Whitson each had one tackle apiece.
The Wildcats will be on the road this week, traveling to Perry County. They will return home on November 1st to take on Collinwood and celebrate “Senior Night 2019.” Follow the ‘Cats this week as they work to try to get the win. “WORK HARD WILDCATS!”—Submitted
