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Whitko, Swender pulls off 12-7 win in debut against Wawasee |
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Saturday, August 23 2008 |
By JOSHUA FOUST
for The Post & Mail
As the sound of the drumbeat from the Wawasee school band faded into the cool summer night, the crashing of helmets signaled the beginning of football season and the opening game between the Whitko Wildcats and Wawasee Warriors.
An ominous beginning for the Warriors ended in a 12-7 victory for the Wildcats. The Warriors fumbled on the first play of their first possession of the game and set the tone for what would be a scoreless half for the team.
The Wildcats took charge early with a solid running game and a dominant offensive line. Whitko’s ground game found success with the tandem of running back Ryan Bumbaugh and fullback Adam Jarell — both averaging over six yards per rush attempt.
Jarrell, who ended the night with 12 rushes and 76 yards, is the more elusive and quick of the two often exploiting openings on the outside while Bumbaugh (86 yards on 13 attempts) is the prototypical powerback that punishes defensive lines.
“They compliment each other well,” Whitko coach Wayne Swender said, who is starting his first game as head coach after taking over for longtime Whitko coach Bryan Sprunger.
It was this relentless ground attack that set up the passing game and a 29-yard touchdown pass from Gabe Starkey to Tight End James Stoddard in the first quarter.
The Whitko fans also took note of what could be a prolific tandem this season.
“I’m surprised by the talent and depth of the team this year- especially the running backs,” one fan said. “We have a lot to look forward to.”
A blocked punt ran back for a touchdown put Whitko up 12-0 going into the second half.
Although the Warriors running game still came up against a Whitko defensive line that was more similar to a brick wall, the passing game began to pick up in the second half.
Jake Sommers (11-24, 150 yards, one TD and a 112.08 QB rating), the Warriors QB began to put the game on his shoulders and led his team on a 75-yard march down the field resulting in a touchdown. The drive produced two fourth down conversions. The first for five yards and the second conversion on a fourth and 27 that produced a miraculous 29-yard touchdown pass and seemed to ignite the spark of comeback.
However, late in the fourth quarter, the Warriors running game still couldn’t get going (24 yards on 29 attempts) and a last ditch effort to complete yet another fourth down conversion failed. The Wildcats took over on downs and ran out the clock.
When asked what, if anything makes this team better than last year, Swender, without hesitation said senior leadership.
“We have determined upperclassmen that lead,” Swender said. “We just hope to continue to build on that. Our goal is to continue to get better each week.”
Wildcats will get to see the improvement first hand as Whitko comes back Friday for its home opener against Leo. |
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Last Updated ( Monday, August 25 2008 )
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