Watkins Memorial extends win streak to 7 after comeback victory
By: Donovan Varney
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Tonight’s LCL matchup between the Licking Heights Hornets and the Watkins Memorial Warriors was a battle from start to finish. The Warriors left victorious and ended the Hornets four game win streak with a final score of 24-21.
Licking Heights received the kick and showcased a promising ground attack. QB Deuce Caldwell and RB Jake Lopinto used their legs to get the Hornets inside the 15-yard line. Penalties pushed them out of field goal range and they turned over on downs.
The Warriors started their first drive with a similar approach on the ground, but wouldn’t be able to get anything going. They were forced to punt.
The Hornets and the Warriors defense would continue to stop the offenses, keeping the first quarter scoreless and forcing a lot of three and outs.
The Hornets would be the first to get on the board at the beginning of the second quarter. A 20-yard rush from RB Jake Lopinto resulted in six for the Hornets.
Both teams’ defenses would continue to make stops. The Warriors finally got some momentum when Jace Henry blocked the Hornets punt. The Warriors took the ball over inside the 10-yard line.
Penalties and the Hornets defense pushed the Warriors back and forced them to try a field goal. Kicker Jude Wise got the Warriors on the board when he drilled a field goal from 26 yards out. The score would remain 7-3 until halftime.
The Warriors came out of halftime hot when QB Patrick Carney unleashed a 50-yard TD pass to TE John-Luke Weiler. The Warriors have the lead with a score of 10-7 over the Hornets.
The Warriors wouldn’t stop there. QB Patrick Carney took matters into his own hands with an 11-yard TD rush. Carney’s TD put the Warriors up 17-7 after a slow first half.
The Hornets defense got back on track in the fourth quarter. DB Reese Powell picked off Carney and took it all the way back for six. The score was now 17-14, with Licking Heights cutting their deficit to just three.
Now entering the fourth quarter, a familiar name tonight on special teams, Jace Henry, comes up with the ball in the endzone after a bad snap during a Hornets punt. Henry’s TD put the Warriors up 24-14 with just under five minutes to go.
Next, the Hornets respond to their mistake quickly with Deuce Caldwell connecting with Jake Lopinto for a 75-yard TD pass. The Warriors lead 24-21.
Watkins Memorial was able to hold Licking Heights for the rest of the game, and won the Battle of Broad Street. The Warriors (7-1, 3-0) extend their win streak to seven games and face Zanesville (3-5, 0-2) at home next week.
Licking Heights (5-3, 2-1) is looking to bounce back next week in a non-conference game against the undefeated Harvest Prep (8-0).