By BILL LIERMANN

Sports Writer

WILMINGTON — Miami Trace spoiled Wilmington High School’s debut Friday night on its new turf, defeating the Hurricane, 35-21, at Townsend Field of Williams Stadium on the Wilmington College campus.

The Panthers generated 370 yards in total offense, while the Hurricane managed just 283 yards.

Weather was a big factor, as heavy rain coupled with several lightning strikes delaying the kickoff by approximately one hour. According to Ohio High School Athletic Association rules, teams must wait at least 30 minutes before playing when the officials see any form of lightning.

Putting up big numbers for the Panthers’ ground game were Tom Armstrong and Grant Jones, who each rushed for over 100 yards in the contest. Armstrong led the attack with 134 yards on 14 carries while Jones tallied 105 yards on 20 carries.

For the Hurricane, Quinten Rollins rushed for 119 yards on 14 carries, and had a pair of touchdowns. Miami Trace outgained Wilmington on the ground, 326 yards to 110.

Miami Trace got on the board in the opening drive, covering 77 yards in 10 plays. Ryan Garland, who rushed for 70 yards on 16 carries, scored the first of his two touchdowns at the 7:58 mark. Brett Garland converted the PAT kick giving MT a 7-0 lead.

MT then increased the lead to 14-0 when Garland capped an eight-play, 32 yard drive with his second TD of the contest and Garland’s boot put the Panthers in front by two scores.

Wilmington got on the board when Rollins capped a six-play 50 yard drive with a one yard run to the end zone with 7:45 remaining in the half and David Duquette’s kick made it a 14-7 contest.

The Panthers extended the lead when Trevor Milstead hooked up with quarterback Caleb Redding on a 12-yard scoring catch in the right corner of the end zone with less than one minute remaining in the half. Garland connected on his third PAT to give MT a 21-7 lead at the intermission.

Wilmington came right back with a 61-yard scoring strike in the third quarter when Brandon Arehart connected with Nyles Williams on a 61-yard screen play to open the third quarter. Duquette’s boot pulled the ‘Cane within seven at 21-14, with 11:32 remaining.

Crucial turnovers proved to be Wilmington’s worst enemy as QB Arehart was sacked and lost possession of the ball with just under 9:00 to go in the third quarter. Trace defender Logan Rankin scooped up the loose ball and ran it in from 35 yards out, extending the Panthers’ lead to 28-14 after Garland’s PAT kick.

Rollins came back with his second TD of the night on a 13-yard run with 6:50 remaining in the quarter and Duquette’s PAT pulled WHS within seven again, at 28-21.

Wilmington was driving for a potential score in the early minutes of the fourth quarter when another turnover eliminated any WHS hopes for a comeback. Kyle Brickles recovered the loose ball on an errant snap from center and the Panthers immediately cashed in when Armstrong ran 24 yards up the middle to put MT back in control. Garland’s fifth boot of the game game the panthers a 35-21 lead and ended the scoring for the rest of the night.

“Give Miami Trace credit, they made the big plays when they had to and the turnovers just killed us,” said Wilmington head coach Robin Vida following the contest.

Despite the bad weather, Vida called the new venue at the college a great atmosphere for high school football.

“The kids were really looking forward to it and Trace is a good rival for us. They gave a great effort tonight and we came up a bit short.”

SCORING BY QUARTERS

MT 7 14 7 7-35

WHS 0 7 14 7-21

SCORING SUMMARY

First Quarter

MT-Ryan Garland, 7-yard run. PAT kick good by Brett Garland (7:58)

MT-Ryan Garland, 5-yard run. PAT kick good by Brett Garland (10:00)

Second Quarter

WHS-Rollins, 1-yard run. PAT kick good by Duquette (7:45)

MT-Milstead, 12-yard pass reception from Reading. PAT kick good by Brett Garland (00:47)

Third Quarter

WHS-Williams, 61-yard pass reception from Arehart. PAT kick good by Duquette. (11:32)

MT-Rankin, 35-yard run on fumble recovery. PAT kick good by Brett Garland (8:56)

WHS-Rollins, 13-yard run. PAT kick good by Duquette (6:50)

Fourth Quarter

MT—Armstrong, 20-yard run. PAT kick good by Brett Garland (9:47)

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