THURSDAY PREPS: Wetumpka gets in the win column, topping Park Crossing

Wetumpka’s Clark Barker battles for a fumble against several Park Crossing players in the Indians’ win on Thursday. (Tim Gayle)

By GRAHAM DUNN


Nate Rogers passed for 172 yards and added 94 on the ground to lead Wetumpka to its first win of the season, defeating Park Crossing, 37-14, Thursday at Cramton Bowl.

Rogers threw one touchdown pass and added a run for a score in the win.

It was a nice response to last week’s difficult loss against Pike Road.

“Imagine if he had the three touchdowns that were dropped last week and the one that was called back (by a penalty), all of which would have accumulated 160 yards on just those three throws,” stated Wetumpka coach Bear Woods. “It’s kind of one of those lost stats. Credit to (offensive coordinator) Jonathan Chandler for calling those plays where we had three wide-open touchdowns.

“I’m just proud of the guys for fighting back after giving up another kickoff because that’s four kickoff returns in four football games. I’ve never heard of that in my life.”

Running back Michael Dilliard added three touchdowns and 75 yards rushing for the Indians, who avoided their first 0-3 start since 2015.

“We’re here to win and it feels good,” Woods said. “I can’t say it feels great but it feels good and I’m happy for the guys.”

“The explosive plays we gave up are the same mistakes we’ve been making. Tonight, we caught the ball and were able to get first downs. That’s the difference between tonight and every other night.”

The Wetumpka defense held Park Crossing to 121 yards in total offense. The Indians also got a blocked punt from Ethan Bailey to set up a score. Their final touchdown in the fourth quarter was set up by a Park Crossing fumble, culminated by a Dilliard 2-yard run for a score.

The Thunderbirds (2-2, 0-2) had one big pass play with quarterback Brayden Graham hitting Solomon Beebe for a 34-yard strike to score in the second quarter. Beebe opened the second half with an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Evan Dilliard had a touchdown pass reception for 44 yards in the first quarter for Wetumpka.

Graham passed for 78 yards and a touchdown for the Thunderbirds.

The Indians (1-3, 1-1) continue play in Class 6A, Region 2 next week returning home to face Russell County. Park Crossing faces Sidney Lanier next Friday at Cramton Bowl.

Tim Gayle contributed to this story