Wartburg Shut Out by Rockwood 35-0
By Terry Futrell
The Wartburg Central Bulldogs came up empty as they were defeated by Region 2AA opponent Rockwood 35-0 at Wartburg Friday evening. With a potential playoff berth on the line for both teams, Rockwood’s speed on offense and stingy rushing defense proved to be more than the Bulldogs could handle.
In spite of gaining 265 yards on 21 pass completions, Wartburg was never able to sustain a drive against the Rockwood defense. Wartburg quarterback Tyler Davis completed 21 of 42 passes, connecting with seven different receivers in the contest. Colby Justice led Wartburg receivers with six catches for 118 yards. Caleb McCarty was close behind with 93 yards on five receptions. Isaac Monroe added three receptions for 29 yards.
On the ground, the Bulldogs were stymied by Rockwood’s defense, rushing only 17 times for 44 total yards in the game. Davis rushed 10 times for 21 yards. Ethan Stedam gained 15 yards on one carry, and Michael Davis added 8 yards on six carries.
In stark contrast, Rockwood rushed 32 times for 261 yards, using a combination of both power and speed to overpower the Bulldog defense. Rockwood’s Jaiden Hannibal rushed eight times for 130 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Tiger offense. One of the smallest players on the field, Hannibal was likely the fastest and proved to be a master of elusive moves that kept the Wartburg defense chasing throughout the game.
Rockwood quarterback Nate Brackett completed only four of 10 passes for 54 yards, but half of those completions were for touchdowns. Xadrian Fickey caught three passes for the Tigers for 48 yards and one touchdown. Brackett hit a wide open Fickey in stride at the goal line for a 26-yard reception and Tiger touchdown. Octavious Worthy had one reception for a 6-yard touchdown for the Tigers.
The loss to Rockwood killed Wartburg hopes for a playoff berth. The Bulldogs step outside Region 2AA next week to face cross-county rival Sunbright, with Meigs County on tap in two weeks. Rockwood will host Region 2AA Cumberland Gap next Friday in their final regular season game.
Click on any photo to view a larger version.
