Wayne runs over highly touted Northmont
Warriors' fierce rushing attack leads shutout win; T-Bolts struggle without Belton.
By Ron Jackson
Staff Writer
Saturday, September 23, 2006
HUBER HEIGHTS ? The Wayne High School football team demonstrated Friday night it has the legs for a fresh run at the playoffs and a successful defense of its conference crown.
In a game delayed one hour by lightning, the host Warriors throttled Northmont, 24-0. It was a matchup of Division I heavyweights ? Northmont, No. 1 in the Dayton Daily News ratings, 4-0 and eighth-ranked in the state, while Wayne is third in the DDN ratings and ascending after its impressive performance in its "Game of the Week" close-up.
Defense ruled the first quarter, then the 3-1 Warriors' own bolt of lightning, Troy Gilmer, brought the home crowd to its feet with an electrifying 48-yard touchdown run down the left sideline, shredding several tacklers.
"It was just a 21 trap, cut it to the outside, broke some tackles and found the end zone," Gilmer said. Patrick McCutcheon added an 18-yard field goal with 16 seconds left in the half.
Gilmer started the season as the team's quarterback for the first game before sophomore Ryan Bitsko took over. Gilmer is the Warriors answer to a utility vehicle, playing several positions (split end, tight end, quarterback and running back).
Bitsko engineered a balanced attack, rushing for 81 yards himself. He also connected on 9-of-14 passes for 97 yards.
Joe Gilford rushed for 83 yards in 10 carries, followed by
Donnie Evago (60 yards in 11 carries).
"We have so many weapons," Bitsko said. "It's an awesome feeling, directing this offense and handing off to these speed guys. It really opens up our passing game. We just want to win out now."
"Ryan is on the fast track, developing at a rapid rate," said Wayne coach Jay Minton. "What I like about him is he's showing some poise. The game is getting a little slower for him, and he's making better reads every week."
Leading the stingy, ball-hawking defense were Jerel Worthy, Anthony Pyle and Lorren Womack, who recovered a fumble. The defense stymied the 'Bolts potent offense. Northmont rushed for 146 yard and backup quarterback John Nussman threw for only 30 yards on 7-of-14 attempts. Nussman filled in for highly coveted Clay Belton (broken thumb).
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