MIAMISBURG, Ohio -- Behind the arm of Messiah DeWeaver, Wayne showed that it is the team to beat in the GWOC with a convincing 49-14 victory over the previously-unbeaten Miamisburg at Harmon Field on Friday.
“We’re trying to get better each week and trying to execute the game plan,” Wayne head coach Jay Minton said. “The kids are really focused in. We’ve been blessed to stay healthy and keep progressing each week. We still have a lot left in the tank, and the kids believe that they can get better each week.”
DeWeaver completed 14 of 18 passes for 229 yards and three touchdowns. The 6-feet-4 quarterback has committed to play for Mark D’Antonio and the Michigan State Spartans next season.
“In the summer time, we gained a lot of camaraderie, we got a lot of passes in,” DeWeaver said. “We’re just clicking right now. We keep getting better every day.”
Wayne wasted little time scoring, finding the end zone on its first two possessions through the air. DeWeaver found L’Christian Smith for a 54-yard touchdown pass before connecting with Matt Wilcox on a 23-yard touchdown pass.
Along with having one of the best quarterbacks in Ohio, the Warriors also boast an impressive stable of running backs. Daryl McCleskey, Antwand Wilson and Matt Wilcox all scored rushing touchdowns for Wayne in the first half.
“That’s a blessing -- our backs are running hard,” Minton said. “Our offensive line is really starting to gel. Everybody knows that when you get into playoff time, your offensive line really has to gel.”
Late in the second quarter, DeWeaver would throw his third touchdown pass of the game, hooking up with McCleskey on a 58-yard pass as the Warriors held a commanding 42-7 lead at halftime.
After a scoreless third quarter, Wayne wrapped up its victory when Fred Pitts scored from 9 yards out.
Wayne outgained Miamisburg, 502-169. The Warriors showed off a balanced offensive attack, gaining 229 yards through the air and 273 yards on the ground.
Wayne flanker Matt Wilcox tallied 88 yards rushing, 47 yards receiving and two touchdowns.
“It was just a matter of time before Matt was going to get back into the game plan,” Minton said. “He had a great year last year. You have to take what they give you, and tonight they gave us Matt Wilcox.”
Miamisburg running back Jay Vinson racked up 111 yards on 18 carries while scoring two touchdowns.
Leading the way for Vinson was tackle Josh Myers. Myers, a junior, is the top-ranked tackle in the country in the 2017 recruiting class. He is committed to play for Urban Meyer and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The Warriors will now enter conference play undefeated, after playing a difficult early-season schedule that included games against Moeller and Lakota West.
“The football in Cincinnati is great,” Minton added. “Our kids know that playing those teams makes us better. By playing them, we hope that it raises our level of play. Once it’s raised, we want to keep it there.”
Next week, Wayne will look to keep its perfect season intact when it visits Springfield. Miamisburg will look to bounce back when it hosts Lebanon.
