Warriors trap Black Bears

Washington’s Warriors went bear hunting last Friday night and bagged the Pawnee Black Bears, 35-14.

Pawnee showed why they are a top 5 team in Class A taking the opening kick and putting together a 13-play drive for a touchdown.

Washington’s offense answered the score responding with a 24-yard touchdown strike off the arm of senior Emitt Wilk to Luke Hendrix to knot the score.

That was the first of what would be a trio of touchdown flicks by Wilk.

He found Kelton Schultz for a 15 yard touchdown strike in the second quarter and hit Hendrix with a seven yard touchdown pass.

Pawnee pulled within a score in the third period when Washington was up only 21-4.

But Kobe Scott returned a Pawnee fumble for a touchdown and Wilk closed out the scoring, scampering his way to the end zone from 18 yards out.

Wilk finished the night with three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. He was 16-21 passing and rushed six times for 32 yards.

“Emitt did an amazing job of passing,” head coach Brad Beller said. “He missed a couple of throws early that I’m sure he would like to have over but he ran the offense very efficiently throughout the night.

“He made the right reads all night long and looked like a seasoned veteran running our offense,” the coach continued.

Wilk spread the ball around with Jaxon Sanchez catching seven balls, tight end Kelton Schultz caught a pair of passes, Hendrix caught four balls and Kobe Scott had three receptions.

“Our receivers did a great job of getting open and then blocking for each other after a catch was made,” Beller said.

Pawnee, who never had a wide receiver in the game, ran the ball all but four plays and kept the ball almost the entire third quarter.

The result of their rushing attack gave a bunch of Warriors a bunch of tackles.

Jadon Sanchez led the defensive assault making 22 tackles including 14 solo stops.

“We had four other players with 10 or more tackles,” Beller said.

Hayden Milner finished with 13 tackles, Jaxon Sanchez had 12, Chase Allison finished with 11 stops and Lane Steele recorded 10 tackles.

The Warriors forced two Black Bear fumbles and Wilk picked off a pass that set up a touchdown for Washington.

“Our offense was set up by a opportunistic defense,” Beller said. “Our defense did an outstanding job of limiting a very good offensive football team to only 14 points and forcing all those turnovers.”

Up next is a date with the legendary Jim Dixon and his Sulphur Bulldogs. Kickoff Friday night at Sulphur is set for 7 p.m.

I have the utmost respect for coach Dixon and coach (Corey) Cole,” Beller said. “They continue to build that program.

“It’s always fun to coach against guys you like,” Beller continued. “Our staff gets along with their staff really well.”

The Warrior defenders will have another tall task corralling  a run oriented attack.

Sulphur has a tremendous tailback in No. 5 Logan Smith.

“He is public enemy No. 1 this week,” Beller said with a chuckle. “He reminds me of Lance Spaulding but is slightly faster. He runs hard and breaks tackles. He plays every play like it’s his last one.

“Sulphur is fundamentally sound and well coached. Their line allows him to do what he is blessed to do and that’s run the football.”

The Bulldogs are very multiple on defense but operate out of a 3-3 stack.

“It’s very rare to find a team as physical and aggressive as Sulphur is that has great technique as well,” Beller continued. “They are one of the most physical teams I’ve seen in the last couple of years.”

The key will be stopping Smith.

“And we have to be more solid in our running game,” the coach said. “We have to be able to move it more efficiently on the ground to open up the passing game.”

Warrior notes:

Washington Head Coach Brad Beller nominated Emitt Wilk as the Offensive Player of the Week.

Making his first start at quarterback, Wilk completed 16 of 21 pass attempts for three touchdowns and 212 yards. He also rushed for a touchdown.

The Defensive Player of the Week nominee is Jadon Sanchez, who had 22 tackles against Pawnee last week.

Beller nominated Rope Scott as the Defensive Lineman of the Week. Scott made six tackles last Friday night, caused a fumble and recovered a fumble.

There was no nomination for  Offensive Lineman of the Week.