Kiefer can't hang on as Wayne rolls
BY JOHN D. FERGUSON World Correspondent
Saturday, November 17, 2012
11/17/12 at 6:27 AM
KIEFER - No. 2 Wayne had been behind in only one other game this season. So, when No. 4 Kiefer hit a touchdown bomb to open the game Friday night, the Bulldogs did not take kindly to it.
Wayne focused its energy and got three quick turnovers that turned into 14 points en route to a 28-6 Class A second-round playoff victory.
The defending state champions not only answered Kiefer's first score but also forced three fumbles by the special teams squad. That kept the Trojan defense on the field most of the first quarter as Wayne retained the football.
The 11-1 Bulldogs advance to next week's quarterfinals, but scored far less than their season average of 49.5. The Wayne defense made up for the lack of scoring. The Bulldogs had given up 12.4 points a game before facing Kiefer.
The loss ended the Trojans' season at 11-1. This was also the most points Kiefer had given up in a game.
"We can't overcome three turnovers," said Kiefer coach Josh Calvert. "We're a physical running team (and can't score quickly), but give all the credit to Wayne."
The game had a positive start for Kiefer. Quarterback Justin Rovang threw a deep pass to Austin Ford. Ford caught the ball and broke free of the Wayne defender for a 71-yard TD strike just 100 seconds into the game.
The two-point conversion pass failed, but Kiefer was ahead of Wayne for the first time since Oct. 26 when Wynnewood did the same thing.
But that would be the last hurrah for the Trojans.
Wayne's first drive of the game ended with a punt, but the ball was fumbled at the 50-yard line.
Two plays later, Bulldog quarterback Sam Martin raced up the middle for a 37-yard TD to tie the game. Martin added the first of four extra-point kicks for a 7-6 lead with 7:28 left in the first quarter.
On the ensuing kickoff, a hard hit on Ford dislodged the football and Wayne recovered it on the Trojan 41.
Seven plays later, Louden Johnson scored from 10 yards out for the 14-6 lead.
The same thing happened again on the ensuing kickoff. This time the Bulldogs recovered a fumble at Kiefer 25.
However, the Trojan defense held on downs and allowed the offense a chance to work. Kiefer drove to the Wayne 18, but also could not score and gave the ball up.
Martin rushed for a game-high 135 yards. Johnson had 134.
WAYNE 28, KIEFER 6
| Wayne |
14 |
7 |
7 |
0 |
- |
28 |
| Kiefer |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
6 |
K: Ford 71 pass from Rovang (pass failed)
W: S.Martin 37 run (S.Martin kick)
W: Johnson 10 run (S.Martin kick)
W: Welch 10 run (S.Martin kick)
W: Welch 17 pass from S.Martin (S.Martin kick)
|
| Wayne | Kiefer |
|
First downs | 16 | 9 |
|
Rushes-yards | 45-297 | 23-45 |
|
Passing yards | 30 | 158 |
|
Comp-Att-Int | 2-6-0 | 6-17-0 |
|
Return yards | 0 | 0 |
|
Punts-Avg. | 3-34.6 | 2-39 |
|
Fumbles-lost | 2-0 | 4-3 |
|
Penalties-yards | 8-75 | 7-40 |
