FOOTBALL: Redskins clinch outright WBL Championship

Following the win, Wapakoneta coach Travis Moyer spoke about the conference championship, “when you think about all the time and effort that goes into this journey that we’ve been on it’s really emotional now for that the fact that there has been a lot of time, sweat and work put into this season and I just can’t say enough about our kids’ effort.”

In order to clinch the WBL title Friday the Redskins needed a win as Van Wert won 42-14 over Bath and the Redskins were able to handle their business against the Bulldogs. 

WAPAKONETA RUNNING GAME

The game was again won on the ground for the Redskins as Jace Knous ripped through Defiance’s defense. Knous racked up 248 yards on the ground on 23 carries.  

Knous also ran for the lone Redskin touchdown on a two-yard run before the end of the second quarter. The two-yard run followed a 48-yard run on the previous play by Knous where he was brought down right before the end zone. 

Knous would also have a 49-yard run and a 52-yard run with the two big plays only resulting in three points. 

Moyer would discuss Knous’ performance and those blocking for him, “it all starts up front, those guys don’t get the credit they deserve, they’re a huge part of our success on Friday nights,” said Moyer. He would add, “Jace is just a special back, he’s a back that can do it all. He can protect, he can run it and just a great effort tonight by him.”

REDSKINS PITCH SHUTOUT

The Redskin defense held an opponent scoreless for a third time this season Friday, as they did against Shawnee and Bath. 

Wapakoneta’s defense did not play without flaws as Defiance was able to run the ball well at points. The main reason for the Bulldog ground game was how difficult it was for the Redskins to bring down Defiance’s Brogan Castillo as he rushed for 123 yards. 

Despite an effective running game at points for the Bulldogs, Defiance only managed to get into Redskin territory four times with one being on a turnover. The Bulldogs’ best possession came after the Redskin turnover to start the game as Defiance was able to march down to the Redskin two. 

The Redskins would quickly send a message in the game by forcing a failed fourth down attempt from the Bulldogs to keep them off the scoreboards. 

Coach Moyer would speak about the success of his defense on the night, “our defense played well and coming in we knew it was going to be a huge challenge, they do a really good job of being able to run the football effectively and throwing the ball, I thought we were able to dominate the line of scrimmage which was critical for us and I thought we held up well in the back end also I really credit our defensive staff for putting together a great game plan and the kids executing it.”

CLINCHING OUTRIGHT

The Redskins have completed WBL play with a perfect 9-0 record against conference foes as they clinch an outright title. 

Moyer would speak about being able to win the WBL outright but also looked ahead, “we accomplished goal number one and goal number two is we’re in pursuit of a state championship.”

The Redskins will now look forward to post-season play.