Weirton - October 20, 2017

Needing a win to make the playoffs, the Weirton Red Riders (6-3) came to Jimmy Carey Stadium with one thing in mind: beat the Potters.  They did just that by a 41-6 margin.

Special teams were critical in the victory for Tony Filberto and his crew as they blocked a punt, scored on a kickoff return, while converting five extra points and booting two field goals.

Weir’s Tyler Komorowski returned to his positions at quarterback and defensive end, following an absence of five weeks with a knee injury. He made his presence felt with two tackles for losses and on offense completed three of five passes for a total of 54 yards. 

Junior Reed Reitter caught five passes (two for TDs) and kicked two field goals, along with the extra points. He also defended Potter passes from his position as safety.

In spite of some dropped passes, penalties and a fumble, Weir picked up momentum, after Jalen Momen scored the first TD of the contest from two yards out. The play was set up by an EL fumble recovery, and a five-play drive from the Riders’ 46.  Derek Carter ran 24 yards for the largest gain to put the ball on the two. The extra point was no good.

Jake McCoy then took the ensuing kickoff at his 22 and ran 78 yards up the middle and it was 7-6 after Reitter’s extra point.

East Liverpool then went three-and-out with Levi Turner’s punt being blocked by Caleb Rea. The Red Raiders then took the momentum and never looked back. Sebastian Spencer scored on a quarterback draw and found Reiter on back-to-back TD passes off 5 and 29 yards.

Reitter’s 42-yard field goal ended the half with the score 31-6.

Mid-way through the third period, Reitter kicked a 24-yard field goal, which was followed by Chad Custer’s 13-yard run, making the score 41-6.
At the beginning of the fourth quarter, the mercy rule was invoked and the clock ran through the balance of the game.

COACH’S CORNER:

“We were disappointed being held to 126 yards in 35 rushing attempts and 25 yards through the air, but better days are ahead”, said Coach Josh Ludwig following the contest.
“We started mostly underclassmen tonight, and are looking to their return next year”, the coach concluded."

DIGGER’S DUGOUT:

16 teams qualify for the playoffs at each level in West Virginia. Weirton, who came in at number 18 should move up with this win. A victory over Brooke next week, likely will put the icing on the cake.

Reitter’s two field goals were 24 and 42 yarders. Not too shabby for high school.

Moman rushed for 31 yards in 11 carries.  The Potters had only five first downs, compared to Weir High’s ten.  EL’s Peyton Reed was four-for-eightS for 25 yards in passing, not enough to stem the Riders’ onslaught

(Ralph Cox contributed to this article)