“It’s a big rivalry,” assured Springfield junior quarterback Leonard Taylor, who completed six passes for 111 yards. “We’ve got to come back as a team and make big plays.”
It was a monumental task for Springfield and the Wildcats were up to it, at least through a scoreless first quarter. The Wildcats quickly moved inside Wayne’s 10 on a long pass from Taylor to elusive Danny Davis. However, in a telling clue as to how Springfield would fare, it was nullified because of penalty.
Springfield senior running back Shane Ramey overcame a leg injury that knocked him out of play early in the second quarter to score on a five-yard run in the final seconds of the first half. That drew the Wildcats within 14-7. But Wayne, the Division I state runner-up in 2014-15, quickly asserted itself with another scoring drive on its first possession of the second half.
Taylor added Springfield’s final touchdown with a 1-yard dive midway through the fourth quarter. Wayne’s Fred Pitts matched that with his second TD run.
Pitts had a monster night, gaining 202 yards on 24 carries. Ramey led Springfield with 67 yards rushing. Davis rushed for 22 yards and had two catches for 47 yards. Wayne held a decisive 412-107 advantage in total offense.
The win likely vaults Wayne (8-0-1) into first place in the D-I, Region 3 computer rankings and secured at least a share of the National East title (4-0). Springfield (6-3, 2-1) had a three-game win streak snapped and will surely drop from its No. 6 position in D-I, Region 3.
However, both these teams could play again in the playoffs, as early as the first round in two weeks. If that happens, the rematch will be at Huber Heights.
“We’re a couple Jimmys and Joes from being the team we want to be,” Douglass said. “Hopefully, next week we’ll get a (win) and get a chance to make the playoffs. We’re happy with our direction. We’ve got to bounce back next week (against Fairmont). Seven-and-3 sounds good to me.”
About the Author