Whitko pours on a defensive performance
(Talk of the Town photo by Andrew Ferrell) Below, one of the referees dries off the ball because of last night's soggy weather. The Wildcats won 34-12 over Northfield.
By Andrew Ferrell
Four important things happened in Friday night’s game against the Northfield Norseman. First, the Wildcats won their homecoming in astonishing fashion, 34-12. Second, the team showed they can win on horrible field conditions with all of the cold rain smacking them in the face. Third, the win keeps the ‘Cats alongside the top teams in the conference. Fourth, the ‘Cats find themselves back at the all-important .500 winning percentage.
Whitko’s defense provided all the entertainment for the evening with an outstanding five-interception game and backing up the Norsemen a total of 17 yards with early tackles and sacks.
In the first drive for the Norsemen, it was the Whitko defense stepping up and producing a 5-yard sack, ending their drive. The Wildcats didn’t waste anytime as Whitko’s D.J. Fouce scrambled into the end zone for a 49-yard run and the score.
After an interception by Wildcat junior Kory Wood, late in the second quarter, Whitko found themselves in deep Northfield territory. Fouce made it happen again, as he rumbled his way in for the 27-yard touchdown run with 2:03 left in the half, Whitko led 12-0.
The second half was much the same for Whitko, scoring came from the Northfield turnovers.
A fumble recovered by the ‘Cats gave them another shot to blow the lead wide open. A 51 yard drive on 11 plays ended with Whitko senior quarterback Gabe Starkey sneaking into the end zone for another Wildcat score, boosting the lead to 20-0.
Whitko’s defense continued unleashing its wrath on the Norsemen and an interception by Wildcat Derek Snep gave the Wildcat offense another chance to march down the field.
After a couple attempts at the end zone, Whitko sophomore running back Austin Mort pushed his way in for the score, extending the lead to 26-0.
Whitko put the Norsemen out of their misery on another interception by Whitko linebacker Cody Bays, late in the fourth quarter, and sophomore running back Dominic Arrowood punched the ball into the end zone for a 34-0 lead.
Not wanting to leave South Whitley with a shutout, the Norsemen pounded in a 23-yard touchdown run with 1:39 showing on the clock. After an on-side kick recovery, Northfield ran in a 7-yard run as time expired, leaving the game at 34-12 in favor of the Wildcats.
The win gives the Wildcats a 3-3 (3-1 TRC) season record and the Wildcats are on the road next Friday against North Miami at 7 pm.