Waterford dominates field position in win over Caldwell
By: Phoenix Brown
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WATERFORD, Ohio (WOUB) — The Caldwell Redskins opened their 2025 campaign on the road as it took on the Waterford Wildcats Friday night. Waterford came into the matchup with an eye for dominance after its 50-12 win over Vinton County, though it would be Waterford coming out on top with a 21-6 victory.
The match had a theme of interceptions, ending in favor of the Wildcats, as DB Brayden Smith leaped and snagged a high throw to begin the Wildcats’ offense at the 29-yard line. The Wildcats succeeded in quick throws to bring themselves to the goal line. On second-and-goal, Wildcats’ QB Hayden Jones side-armed the ball to RB Trevin Zimmer for a Waterford touchdown to begin scoring.
Waterford’s offense showed out tonight, as Wildcats QB Hayden Jones had an impressive carry, batting down the Caldwell defense to bring the first quarter to a close. Waterford’s scoring remained consistent going into the second quarter, as Jones heaved a long pass to Zimmer for a Wildcats touchdown, making the score 14-0 after a Ryker Hutchins PAT was good.
Multiple whistles on Caldwell eventually brought the Wildcats back to first-and-goal on the 4-yard line, allowing Jones to sling a pass to WR Kameron Johnson for another Waterford touchdown, earning a 21-0 lead.
Caldwell showed hope in its turn on offense, as multiple good passes by QB Izic Cool brought the team to the 8-yard line. A leaping Wildcat would soon stifle the drive, as Zimmer intercepted the pass, bringing the Wildcats to their own 29-yard line.
Going into the third quarter, a pass from Jones to WR Weston Fairchild started another Waterford offensive run. The Wildcats got to fourth-and-7 looking for a first down, but resorted to a punt. In a defensive highlight for the Wildcats, Jones wrapped his claws around the Cool’s legs to dampen Caldwell’s chances further.
Waterford’s defense showed great success in the third quarter, as it swatted down three consecutive Caldwell throws, giving possession back to the Wildcats. Caldwell’s offensive campaign ran short, and another turnover gave the ball back to Waterford.
Caldwell began the fourth quarter at the 1-yard line after a strategic punt by the Wildcats. Caldwell RB Gavin Leake made impressive runs to pull the team to a first down. This campaign did not go far, as the Wildcats picked off Cool’s throw to take the ball back.
The Wildcats tried to make a fake hand-off drive, but a Jones pass was intercepted by DB Brody Chandler, who kept on running to give the Redskins their first score of the night. A failed PAT set the score at 21-6, Wildcats lead.
Before the night was over, Cool’s pass was swiped out of the air by Waterford’s Smith to give the Wildcats another chance to bring a touchdown to the house. Completed passes and carries by Zimmer, runs by Jones, inched the Wildcats down the field, ultimately running the clock out for the win.
Waterford goes on the road next Friday as it takes on Shenandoah, and Caldwell will face off against Monroe Central on the 12th.