Wilmington (Pa.) Area - September 18, 2015
For two teams that had never played each other, this game between East Liverpool and Wilmington Area resembled a long-standing rivalry with crisp tackling, long runs, a TD pass that was similar to a basketball play and excellent performances by both bands
Unfortunately, the Blue and White came out on the short end of a 28-13 score, but not because of a lackluster effort. Coach Josh Ludwig and his crew fought to the final whistle, showing vast improvement along the way.
For the Greyhounds of Coach Terry Verrelli, it would be junior quarterback Spencer DeMedal with two first quarter TDs that made the difference; the first coming on a 39-yard sprint to the end zone on the Hounds’ initial possession and the second with 5:43 on the clock.that followed a Cameron Marett interception on his own 45-promptly taking the ball to the EL 29. On the very next play DeMedal found Bryson Verrelli in the end zone, and following the second extra point kick of the night by Jacob Winters, it was14-0.
However, the Potters were not ready to roll over and play dead, taking over following a Wilmington punt with 6:38 left to play before the break. Starting on their own 35, the Big Blue Machine marched 65 yards in 12 plays with Austin Dozier scoring from the two. Dylan Kidder was perfect, and it was 21-7 with 1:43 remaining in the second quarter.
Success was extremely short-lived, however, when junior running back Kyle Slicker took the ensuing kickoff 75 yards to the house, and following Winters' kick, it was 21-7 in favor of the host, which is how the half ended.
Each team would score a TD in the second half. For the Blue and Gold, it would be on an 11-yard run by Cameron Marett, with 3:53 to play in the third quarter, while a four-yard basketball-style pass from Austin Mayfield to Chris Gill with 9:50 left to play ended East Liverpool’s scoring for the night as the extra point kick was blocked.
COACH’S COMMENTS:
“We displayed a great deal of improvement, and refused to quit. Now we need to focus and eliminate penalties,” said Coach Josh Ludwig following the game."
“The atmosphere here was excellent. Everyone went all out to make us feel welcome.”
“Right now I want to review the films, then get ready for the Beaver Local game”, Ludwig concluded”
DIGGER’S DUGOUT:
The trip to New Wilmington took about one hour and fifteen minutes for the two yellow school buses and a pair of equipment vans that made up the EL traveling party. All of the vehicles were parked outside the school’s gymnasium, which housed the Potter locker rooms. The team was treated to pizza in the school cafeteria by their hosts following the contest.
New Wilmington is also the home of Westminster College and is a neat, well-groomed community.
David Kohout, well-known motivational speaker from Youngstown, was on the Potter sidelines prior to the game. He had spoken to the team earlier in the week and in previous years.