Portsmouth West’s offense explodes, takes down Waverly
By: Vernon Eguakun
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PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WOUB) – In the first conference game of the season in the Southern Ohio Conference (SOC) it was the Portsmouth West Senators who took down the Waverly Tigers 49-42. A combination of both the run and the pass game helped the Senators secure the win.
The Tigers started out the game with a promising opening drive then on 4th and 1 at midfield the Senators were able to make a stand and stop them on 4th down forcing a turnover on downs. With the momentum from a big 4th down stand the Senators were able to find the endzone as QB Mitchell Irwin connected with receiver Jeffery Bishop for a 24-yard touchdown to make the score 7-0
To start the 2nd quarter the Senators used the ground game effectively with Ryan Sissel as they capped off that drive with a 1-yard touchdown run by Sissel. Midway through the 2nd quarter The Senators found the endzone again as Mitchell Irwin’s 52-yard pass was caught by Jeffery Bishop to make the score 21-0.
On the next drive the Tigers were able to move the ball down the field and then QB Mason Kelly was able to find receiver Hudson Kelly for a 22-yard touchdown to make the score 21-7. Next drive Ryan Sissel was able to run on this Tiger defense and he found the endzone again making the score 27-7. With time running out in the 2nd Quarter the Tigers were able to score as Mason Kelly found receiver Kenny Swords for a 22-yard touchdown with 3 seconds remaining. Halftime score was 27-14
The Tigers started the 3rd quarter running the ball strong with RB Jase Hurd then in the redzone Mason Kelly found Mason Pollard for an eight yard touchdown making the score 27-21. The Senators would answer with their ground game on the next drive as Ryan Sissel broke a run for 54 yards to the endzone to make the score 33-21. The Tigers next drive looked promising but on 4th and 10 Mason Kelly’s pass downfield was broken up by Cornerback Cole Tipton. The Senators again capitalized off this as Mason Parker broke a run for 28 yards to the endzone making the score 41-21.
Starting the 4th quarter, the Tigers would not give up as Mason Kelly found Mason Pollard for a 15-yard touchdown making the score 41-28. The next drive the Senators failed to convert a 4th and 1 turning the ball over on downs. The Tigers were able to take advantage of this and used their passing attack to find the endzone as Mason Kelly connected with Hudson Kelly for a 15-yard touchdown to make the score 41-35.
On a 3rd and 20 on the next drive for the Senators they were able to convert as Mitchell Irwin found Cole Tipton for a gain of 28. Then Ryan Sissel was able to run into the endzone for a 2-yard run making the score 49-35. Then on the kickoff Quentin Hurd returned it 68 yards to put the Tigers deep in the red zone then Jase Hurd found the end zone on a seven yard carry to make the score 49-42. The Tigers were able to put the game away on a 3rd and 6 Ryan Sissel ran for 13 yards to seal the victory making the final score 49-42.
Senators coach Todd Gilliam gave his input on how his offense played.
“We were able to run the ball and throw the ball,” Gilliam said. We feel like we’re really balanced first half it felt like we were able to control the game through the air make some big plays and jump out pretty quick early on and as the game played out, we were able to get Ryan Sissel going and that was probably the best offensive game we’ve had all year”
Gilliam explained how important the run and pass game is going to be moving forward.
“That’s always been west football, line it up and be able to put a hat on a hat and knock guys off the ball and run the football,” Gilliam said. It just helps now that we do have some explosive guys on the outside to make it difficult where teams can’t pack the box nearly as much as they have in the past”
QB Mitch Irwin finished the game 9-10 for 192 yards and 2 touchdowns. Running back Ryan Sissel had a big day as he finished the game with 34 carriers for 236 yards and 4 touchdowns. Receiver Jeffery Bishop had 5 catches for 133 yards and 2 touchdowns
For the Tigers QB Mason Kelly finished 23-30 for 201 yards and 5 touchdowns. Running back Jase Hurd had a productive day with 27 carries for 135 yards and 1 touchdown.
Receiver Mason Pollard led the tigers in receiving as he had 11 catches for 96 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Portsmouth West (5-1, 1-0 in conference) will be away next Friday against Minford.
Waverly (2-4, 0-1 in conference) will look to bounce back next Friday as they will be away against Valley.