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Edgewood defeats Wilmington 65-17

Friday, 12 September 2008

COUGARS THROTTLE THE ‘CANE, 65-17

BY Bill Liermann

Sports Writer

WILMINGTON — The high-powered Edgewood Cougars scored eight touchdowns in the first half, en route to a 65-17 victory over the Wilmington Hurricane Friday at Townsend Field of Williams Stadium at Wilmington College.

Edgewood scored on their first three possessions of the night, building a 28-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Cougars scored on the opening drive, going 71 yards on six plays taking just three minutes of the clock. They proceeded to score more quickly in the next three possessions, moving the ball quickly downfield against the WHS defensive unit, which had problems adjusting to the Cougards’ double-handoff schemes. By halftime, Edgewood built a 48-0 lead.

The visitors generated 367 total yards in offfense during the first half, and ended with 572 net yards for the ballgame on 50 offensive plays. Wilmington had 227 net yards on 57 offensive plays. Junior running back Justin Elder led the Cougar running game with three touchdowns scored, plus 132 rushing yards on 10 carries. Bryant French added 86 yards on four carries plus one touchdown, while Dean Estes accounted for 78 yards on six carries and a touchdown

In a losing cause, Hurricane wide reciever Kyle Blakeman accounted for both WHS touchdowns, hooking up with quarterback Brandon Arehart on a 12-yard TD catch, followed by a 51-yard TD reception. Both Hurricane scores came in the third quarter of play. Place kicker David Duquette booted a 32-yard field goal for WHS in the fourth quarter to account for the remaining Hurricane points.

“They’re much bigger, stronger, faster and most of all they were very determined tonight,” said WHS head coach Robin Vida following the contest. “Edgewood’s a very experienced club and our inexperience really came back to haunt us tonight.”

After four games played, and a 1-3 record to show for itself, Vida feels as though his squad has to look at themselves.

“I really think it’s a matter of believing in ourselves. We have to reach back for more and learn to make sacrifices for the team,” he said.

Wilmington’s strength was in the passing game, as Arehart completed 16 of 32 attempts for 193 yards, producing the two touchdown receptions and one interception. Blakeman had six catches for 96 yards (plus two touchdowns) while Nyles Williams had five catches for 58 yards. Edgewood stymied the Wilmington ground game, limiting WHS to 34 net yards on 25 carries.

Wilmington will travel to Loveland to face the Tigers next Friday evening before returning back home facing Little Miami in Fort Ancient Valley Conference Cardinal Division action on Friday evening September 26th.

SUMMARY

EHS 20 28 3 14 — 65

WHS 0 0 14 3 — 17

First Quarter:

EHS—Elder, 22 yard run. PAT kick BY T. J. Smith good (8:49).

EHS—Elder, 5-yard run. PAT kick failed due to bad snap from center (6:10).

EHS—Estes, 1-yard run. PAT kick by T. J. Smith good (1:24).

Second Quarter:

EHS—Aldridge, 1-yard run. PAT kick by T. J. Smith good (10:35)

EHS—Fugate, 33-yard run. PAT kick good by T. J. Smith (8:38).

EHS—Elder, 59-yard run. PAT kick good by T. J. Smith (3:56).

EHS—Aldridge, 2-yard run. PAT kick good by T. J. Smith (0:00).