Waterford doubles over Eastern in 2022 with Regional Quarterfinals victory
By: Shane Scalfaro
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REEDSVILLE, Ohio (WOUB) — The Eastern Eagles and the Waterford Wildcats geared up for a TVC Hocking rematch in the second round of playoff play. Last time the two teams saw each other was at Waterford’s home field.
The Wildcats beat the Eagles 29-13 and have won every game this season since. Eastern has been on a streak of their own and has won the last five games they played. Both teams were looking to continue their winning streaks, and their season, but Waterford prevailed with a 34-7 victory.
Both teams were fired up and ready to go, but the Wildcats secured the first touchdown. Senior quarterback Jake Pantelidis was the ball carrier, blowing through the Eagle defense and running the ball 40 yards and into the end zone. Waterford went for a two-point conversion but were unsuccessful. Giving the Cats a 6-0 lead.
The Eagles would go on to score shortly after. All season they’ve played a play-by-play game to chip away at the yardage ahead, but on this score, they changed their style and it succeeded. Senior quarterback Brady Yonker threw a bomb to #3 Lance Hensler, who only needed a few more yards to get past the pylon. Eastern went on to kick for the extra point, which was good, allowing the Eagles to take a one-point lead going into the second quarter.
Early in the second quarter, the Wildcats fumbled the ball. Eastern would fall on it and get possession on their 30-yard line. One play later, Rylee Barrett broke free making a huge gain down the field. The drive would stall out in the red zone, and Hayden Wilcoxen’s would go for a field goal. The attempt was unsuccessful, and the Eagles would maintain their one-point lead.
With 4:38 left in the first half, the Wildcats would fumble for the second time, and the ball was recovered by the Eagles. They found themselves in enemy territory but turned the ball over on downs. Throughout the rest of the second quarter, both defenses would hold the opposing team to 0 points.
In the next half, Waterford would take over. The Wildcats would score early. Pantelidis passed to Mason Heiss for the touchdown to start their 28-point run. For the remainder of the night, the Wildcats dominated the field, and secured their regional semifinal game with a 34-7 victory against the Eastern Eagles.
Next week the Waterford Wildcats will play at Newark Catholic for the regional semifinal.