Shenango routs Western Beaver in opener
Shenango (47) vs. Western Beaver (0)
Written: Sep 07, 2015
The Shenango High football team’s offense couldn’t wait to get going.
The Wildcats never got a chance Friday night as their game against Western Beaver was postponed after two Golden Beavers running plays.
However, once play resumed Saturday, Shenango made its offensive opportunities count in the team’s 47-0 win in a Big Seven Conference battle at Glenn “Pop” Johnston Stadium.
“It was a long wait. We were anxious. Our kids came out swinging,” Shenango coach Mike Commesso said. “It was good to have some quick strikes. We wanted to come out in the second half and get the clock rolling and that’s what happened. It worked out well.”
The game, halted by lightning 1:25 into the contest Friday night, resumed with Western Beaver facing a third-and-9 deep in its own territory. The Golden Beavers were stopped on a run and tried going for it on fourth down, but the Wildcats swarmed Brett Gailey for a loss.
The hosts made it hurt as they marched 33 yards with ease on six running plays. Quarterback Evan Kendall kept the ball for a 1-yard run and a 7-0 lead.
A 66-yard Hunter Waskin punt-return touchdown was wiped out by a holding penalty. However, he eventually reached the end zone as Shenango embarked on another successful ground drive. Waskin crashed in from the 2 to give the hosts a 14-0 edge with 3:14 left in the first quarter.
“We had some big plays and a couple more called back,” Waskin said. “I know we were all tired in the morning, but we came out ready to go.”
A fumble deep in Western Beaver territory set up Shenango’s third touchdown — a Waskin 5-yard scoring snag from Kendall — with 11:55 left in the first half.
Waskin took a shovel pass from Kendall and raced 65 yards for another score to give the Wildcats a 28-0 lead with 5:37 left in the first half. Dylan Kleckner added a 25-yard field goal just before the intermission to make it 31-0.
Shenango (1-0 conference, 1-0 overall) got a gift early in the third quarter when a snap sailed over the Golden Beavers punter and out of the end zone for a safety. The hosts put the game away on the ensuing drive when Brett Hoover’s 2-yard TD jaunt gave them a 40-0 lead and enacted the 35-point mercy rule.
With a running clock, Shenango added a late touchdown when Brayden Smiley broke free for a 19-yard TD run.
While the Wildcats’ offense was sharp — rolling up 338 total yards — the team’s defense was strong, too. Shenango limited Western Beaver (0-1, 0-1) to 47 yards of total offense.
“Our defense was so stout. I don’t play defense, but I know those guys are tough,” Shenango running back Tyler Root said. “I am glad I don’t have to run against them.
“The Big Seven is always a juggernaut. It was tough having to come out in the morning after starting (Friday) night. We knew we needed to step it up and it was a great way to start the season.”
Commesso was pleased with his team’s effort on both sides of the ball.
“The defense was really playing well. Defense feeds into offense and vice versa,” he said. “They really set the tone for our offense and gave us great field position. They did a great job.”
Shenango returns to action at home against Neshannock on Saturday night in a huge Big Seven battle.
“It’s nice to go into the big rivalry game. We’re excited to face Neshannock on our field,” Commesso said. “I am sure it’ll be an intense week.”
(Email: ncsports@ncnewsonline.com)
WESTERN BEAVER
AT SHENANGO
WESTERN SHENANGO
5 First downs 20
52 Yards Rushing 240
19 Yards Lost 6
33 Net Rushing 234
11 Passes Attempted 12
4 Passes Completed 3
0 Passes Intercepted 0
14 Yards Passing 104
47 Total Yards 338
2-2 Fumbles-Lost 0-0
4-33.3 Punts-Average 0-0
4-18 Penalties-Yards 11-85
W. BEAVER 0 0 0 0 — 0
SHENANGO 14 17 9 7 — 47
Scoring plays
SHENANGO — Evan Kendall, 1-yard run (Dylan Kleckner kick).
SHENANGO — Hunter Waskin, 2-yard run (Kleckner kick).
SHENANGO — Waskin, 5-yard pass from Evan Kendall (Kleckner kick).
SHENANGO — Waskin, 65-yard pass from Kendall (Kleckner kick).
SHENANGO — Kleckner, 25-yard field goal.
SHENANGO — Safety, ball snapped out of end zone.
SHENANGO — Brett Hoover, 2-yard run (Kleckner kick).
SHENANGO — Brayden Smiley, 19-yard run (Kurtis Schotsch kick).
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