WILMINGTON — Wilmington stormed out to a 31-0 lead then cruised to a 58-22 win over Washington Friday night at Alumni Field in a South Central Ohio League matchup.
The win puts the Hurricane at 6-1 overall and 4-0 in the league. Washington, after a blistering 5-0 start to the season, is now 5-2 overall and 2-2 in SCOL play.
Brady Evans threw for a pair of scores and ran for two more for Wilmington.
Adam Phelps had two rushing touchdowns and DJ Ames ran for another as the Hurricane ground attack was effective most of the night.
Tony Merritt and Matt Smith caught Evans passes for touchdowns. Merritt also rushed for a touchdown.
Dylan Beaugard returned to the lineup and was a presence on defense, intercepting two passes.
It was Evans to Merritt on the first official play of the game for Wilmington. The Hurricane were penalized on the previous play.
Washington’s Jarett Patton also returned to the lineup. He had three passing touchdowns in the first three quarters. Kory Proby caught two touchdown passes in the first half.
In the second half, Dillon Steward also had a 52-yard catch and run for a touchdown in the third quarter.
Washington had four turnovers on the night.
Early in the fourth quarter, Wilmington made a defensive stand, stopping Washington from the 1-yard line on three straight plays.
However, the Blue Lions forced a turnover when the Hurricane offense took possession. With the ball at the 7, the Blue Lions were once again thwarted by the WHS defense.
Wilmington answered as its high-octane offense continued to click on all cylinders. Merritt made it a two-touchdown night with a 35-yard run at the 8:10 mark. Wilmington led 51-22.
Evans went 58 yards on a keeper on the next Hurricane possession to make it 58-22.
Andrew Mayne had a fumble recovery for Wilmington.
The Blue Lions will be back in the friendly confines of Gardner Park next week to take on the McClain Tigers.
McClain fell to 1-6 on the season (0-4 in the SCOL) with a 49-8 loss at home to Chillicothe Friday night. The Cavaliers are now 6-1 overall, 4-0 in the SCOL.
Clinton-Massie ran its record to 6-1 overall, (4-0 in the SCOL) with a 49-0 win over Hillsboro Friday.
In a showdown game next week, Clinton-Massie will play at Chillicothe.
Wilmington will host Miami Trace next week and East Clinton will be at Hillsboro.
