Waterford’s Strong Second Half Propels Them Over Golden Eagles
By: Zach Paquette
Posted on:
BELPRE, Ohio- Two teams with two different playoff situations squared off in Belpre on Friday night. Waterford, who already clinched a playoff spot, was playing to host a playoff game in week 11. Belpre, on the other hand, was playing for pride as this game was their final game of the 2019 season.
Emotions were higher than the stakes and after a hard-fought game, Waterford came out on top 26-16.
It was an emotional night in Belpre as nine seniors put on a Golden Eagle uniform for the final time in their careers, and the seniors would lead the way for the Golden Eagles early on.
Logan Adams was a literal tank for Belpre’s offense early on. The 5’7” running back did not shy away from lowering his shoulder to gain the extra yard for the Golden Eagles. He took big hits from Waterford defenders all night long as he frequently found himself banged up after plays. His toughness paid off as he found the endzone twice in the opening half.
Adams finished the night with 80 yards on 24 carries and two scores. Fellow senior, Nick Godfrey, added 32 yards on five carries and added 21 tackles on the defensive side of the ball.
Waterford found themselves trailing 14-7 at the half after Zane Heiss scored on a 40-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Aside from that long run, Belpre’s defense limited the Waterford offense to no big plays.
Emotions boiled over midway through the second quarter. Adams got shaken up after taking a questionable hit from a Waterford defender. There was no penalty on the play, but there were plenty of them on the next one. Belpre’s Sean Tabler and Nick Fouss wrestled each other to the ground and Tabler found himself on top pushing Fouss’ head into the grass, which led to Tabler’s disqualification from the game.
After a long discussion between officials, the games resumed with Fouss able to walk off the field on his own power after being shaken up from the heated exchange.
The second half went Waterford’s way as they outscored Belpre 19-2 to close out the game.
For the Golden Eagles, this game was their final game of the season. They finished their season with a 5-5 record after losing their last three games of the season. Fortunately for them, they return over two-thirds of their current roster as they’ll look to rebound next season.
For the Waterford Wildcats, their season continues into the postseason. They finish with an 8-2 record and are guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. This win makes it very likely that the Wildcats will finish in the top four of division VI region 27, so they will more than likely host an opening round playoff game. According to Drew Pasteur’s Fantastic 50, the Wildcats currently have a 91% chance to host their opening round match up with their opponent yet to be determined.