Wheelersburg takes the win on the road at South Point
By: Nikos Stollenwerk
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SOUTH POINT, Ohio (WOUB) – The Pirates took the trip to South Point for the Regional Quarterfinals of the OHSAA playoffs against the Pointers. Both teams came into the matchup with seasons to remember, with just four losses between the two teams. However, only one team could move on to round three, and it would be Wheelersburg with a final score of 44-0.
Despite the lopsided final score, things started off evenly in a defensive blood bath. The first quarter was plagued with punts, a failed fake punt, a failed fourth down conversion, and a turnover on a punt. The first points wouldn’t take place until almost halfway through the second quarter, where Canaan Arthur would break free for 53 yards to go up 7-0.
Wheelersburg didn’t look back, and after a Graer Woodward interception, Jay King would score on an end around to take a two-possession lead for Wheelersburg. Arthur would run it into the endzone once more before the end of the half to take a 21-0 lead. South Point could not catch a break, as on the ensuing drive, quarterback Ethan Hunt would go down with an injury right before half, and he wouldn’t return for the rest of the game.
The second half would be much of the same. After a Wheelersburg punt, backup QB Austin McFann would throw his first pick to Luke Kourns, and Kourns would take it all the way to the one yard line. He would then finish the job on the very next play, and the Pirates are up four scores.
Unfortunately for McFann, the Pirates defense would continue to hound, and two plays later he would throw his second interception. This time, the Pointers defense was able to stand strong, forcing a 33-yard field goal. South Point finally had some semblance of offense, but a costly fumble inside the five kept them out of the endzone.
The fourth quarter would start with another 50+ yard touchdown, this time by Jack Doer through the air to Graer Woodward. Then, to end the game the Pirates defense would get one more interception and a touchdown a couple plays later, taking the win and advancing to round three.
South Point’s season will end with a loss and a 9-2 record and arguably the best season in school history.
Wheelersburg will take on Ironton in the Regional Semifinals for a chance to make it back to the state finals.