Wildcats blank Indians

MINSTER - With their running game getting stuffed with just 95 yards in 30 carries by the Fort Recovery Indian defense, the Minster Wildcats took to the air for 274 yards and three touchdowns in a 21-0 victory.

"We slammed our head into the wall 30 times. We were outnumbered in the box all of the time," summarized Minster coach Seth Whiting. "As much as we wanted to work the run game, we had to spread out and throw. Thankfully we have kids that are capable of doing that."

The Wildcats shut down the Indians without a first down on their opening possession. Minster followed with a drive that was kept alive by a 23-yard completion from Carson Kaylor to Brady Hess on a third down and 18 situation. The Fort Recovery defense stiffened inside their own 10, but on fourth down Kaylor connected with Brendan Halpin from six yards out to grab the early 7-0 lead.

The Indians responded with their own drive deep into Wildcat territory after a 46-yard pass from Braylon Dilworth to Isaac Roessner. However, on the opening play of the second quarter, Fort Recovery faced a fourth down from the four-yard line. Dilworth's pass to Breaker Jutte was broken up by Taylor Fancher to end the threat.

After the teams exchanged punts, Minster put their hurry up offense into effect. Kaylor completed five out of six pass attempts for 71 yards, capped by a nice 14-yard back shoulder touchdown catch by Beckhem Stephey. The half ended with the Wildcats ahead 14-0.

The second half started with a Fancher 40-yard kickoff return to midfield. Five plays later Kaylor connected with Hess for a 10-yard touchdown to increase the lead to 21-0. Both teams proceeded to reach the opponent's 10-yard line before turning the ball over on downs in the third period.

After a Hess interception ended another Fort Recovery drive at the Minster 26-yard line, the reserves finished out the game.

The leading rusher for the game was Fort Recovery's Jutte, who gained 86 yards on six carries. Minster dominated through the air, with Kaylor completing 24-of-30 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns. Fancher was the leading Wildcat receiver with six catches for 57 yards, while Roessner led the Indians with five receptions for 115 yards.

Fort Recovery ends the regular season 3-7 (2-7 MAC) and earns the No. 12 seed in Region 28. The Indians will travel to play No. 5 seed Waynesfield-Goshen.

Minster ends the regular season 7-3 (5-3 MAC) and is the No. 4 seed in Region 28. The Wildcats will have a bye next week and host the winner of that Waynesfield-Goshen game against Fort Recovery in the second round.