Wayne, W. Va — The Wayne Pioneers ( 1-0 ) snapped a two game losing streak by outscoring Tolsia ( 0-1 ) 22-0 in the final nine minutes of the game to win 30-6 at Pioneer field as West Virginia high school football got underway.
Many consider this the last time these two teams will play on the gridiron ending a storied county rivalry.
Wayne took a 8-0 lead on a 25 yard touchdown run on their first drive of the game after converting a couple fourth down opportunities.
That was the score when Tolsia linebacker Mason Mann intercepted a would by pass and returned it to the 21 yard line to set up a 7 yard Jared Switzer touchdown run to cut the lead to 8-6 with 7:02 to go before half.
Tolsia defender Austin Gauze recovered a fumble but the Rebels couldn’t capitalize.
Neither team could get much going as the teams traded punts before going to halftime with Wayne leading 8-6.
To start the third quarter Wayne took the opening drive inside the 20 yard line before Rebel defensive back Jonathon Johnson picked off a pass to kill the drive. Tolsia couldn’t get anything going on offense as both teams went scoreless in the third quarter.
Wayne got things going in the 4th quarter and went on to score 22 points in the last 9:49 of the game to make the score look lopsided.
Tolsia 0 6 0 0 – 6
Wayne 8 0 0 22 – 30
Tolsia will host Buffalo ( 0-1 ) next Friday night and Wayne will travel to defending AA state champion Mingo Central ( 0-1 ) on Friday night.
Tolsia Cheerleaders 2017
Tolsia Head Coach Eric Crum
COACH’S COMMENT
“… I thought we played well for three quarters but wore down in the 4th, the kids played hard and competed until the end.” We had our chances but had way too many penalties.” We are not good enough to overcome mistakes and get behind the sticks.”
“… Lost 3 linebackers at one time during the game and had to move some kids around to different positions and they exposed the middle of our defense.” We will get back at it this week and get a game plan for Buffalo and be ready to play at home next Friday night.”
