By: Joe Shouse, Sports Writer
HAVILAND – Much was at stake last Friday night at Raider Field when county rivals Wayne Trace hosted Paulding. Tabbed as the Black Swamp Bowl the Raiders were looking to extend their bowl titles. Secondly, the Raiders were looking for a GMC win while hoping a win would keep their Region VI play-off chances alive. When the final gun sounded the Raiders accomplished what they set out to do – knocking off the winless Paulding Panthers in shutout fashion 40-0.
As for the Black Swamp Bowl, Wayne Trace has dominated the series, winning the last 11 match-ups and after Friday nights dominate win the Raiders claimed number 12 to lead the series 16-7.
On their first possession the red, white, and blue recorded a six-play, 70-yard scoring drive to light up the scoreboard. Sophomore signal caller Cooper Wenzlick connected on a 31-yard pass with Cole Winans midway through quarter number one. Allen Mink was good on the extra point to put the Raiders on top 7-0.
In what would be another six-play drive, the Raiders marched 73 yards with Wenzlick capping off the successful march on a 27-yard touchdown run to push the Raiders in front 13-0 with 2:08 remaining in the initial period.
Wayne Trace would use the second quarter to distance themselves from Paulding by adding three additional touchdowns. The momentum, clearly on the Raiders side, was boosted when Wenzlick notched out a gallop covering 53 yards of real estate. The Wayne Trace QB followed with a 22-yard touchdown connection to receiver Tucker Antoine. With the two scores the Raiders were in control – leading the Panthers 27-0. Unfortunately, for Paulding, the Raiders came up big prior to intermission with Wenzlick weaving his way through the Panther defense on his way to a 34-yard score and the red, white, and blue comfortably in control, leading 34-0.
The only scoring coming in the second half belonged to Wayne Trace when they successfully turned their first possession into another touchdown. Again, Wenzlick, who was responsible for all six Raider scores, teamed up with Antoine on a 13-yard TD toss on what would turn out to be the final points of the contest and a shut-out win for the Raiders.
Statistically for the winners the Raiders finished with 370 yards of offense led by Wenzlick who covered 188 yards on the ground on 16 totes while passing on 7-9 for 105 yards. Cole Morehead contributed 25 rushing yards. In the passing department – Antoine collected three grabs for 44 yards while Race Price added 30 yards on three catches.
For Paulding, who falls to 0-9 overall and 0-6 in GMC play, the Panthers totaled 79 yards of offense with Dawson Lamb leading the way with 41 rushing yards on 10 attempts. Jacob Fife was 5-18 passing for 15 yards. Sam Woods and Brayden Sanders each added two receptions. The Panthers close out their season on Friday when they travel to Ayersville.
Wayne Trace will be on the road to complete the regular season this Friday at Edgerton. The Raiders (3-6, 3-3) will face a Bulldog team standing at 4-5 overall and 2-3 in the GMC. A Raider win will have much to say concerning an upcoming play-off spot.
