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WOOSTER RALLY COMES UP SHORT ON A BOTCHED 2 POINT CONVERSION Follis Field was host to an exciting game between TWO unbeaten Federal League teams. That being the home team the Wooster Generals and the North Canton Hoover Vikings, who are state ranked in virtually every statewide poll. It appeared early on Hoover may have faced another pushover. The Vikings held the generals deep into their end and forced a 3-and-out. Hoover QB Brad Reifsnyder orchestrated a scoring drive for the Vikings for the second straight week after struggling offensively as a team early on in the 1st two contests. Brad Reifsnyder went 4 for for 34 yards conclued by a 5 yard TD pass to WR Jared Gulling. Hoover led 7-0 and looked in control. Wooster proved otherwise when Wooster's Lavonte Harris ripped off a 66 yard TD run. Before the Vikings could blink, the Generals were right back in the game. Hoover's gambling defense set up the Viking offense with a short field to work with for their following possession. Don Hertler Jr. pulled a trick out of his sleeve with one of his "wily" play calls. Curt Lukens scored from 13 yards out on a reverse. The Vikings increased their lead to 14-6. The Vikings were about to take complete control of the game. They had Wooster in a 3rd and 17 predicament. Wooster converted a 16 yard pass play to make it 4th and a long one yard. Wooster Head Coach Mike McCreary felt like gambling and went for it on 4th down, the Generals picked up the 1st down. It seemed at this time Hoover's defense was now flat, Wooster was successfully running the ball for 7 to 8 yards a pop. They eventually scored on an 8 yard run by Wooster's Terell White and added a 2 point conversion to tie it at 14. Hoover took it to the air marching 81 yards, mostly through the air. But Hoover gave it to their workhorse tailback Junior Jimmy Pope who scored on a 1 yard plunge. The Vikings went ahead for good 21-14. The ensuing kickoff may have been the difference in the game. Hoover kicked a pop-up kick to prevent their normal return men to break one before the half. Instead Wooster fumbled and Hoover took over possession. The Vikings made the most of their opportunity. Brad Reisnyder again hooked up with Jared Gulling this time from 7 yards out. Hoover looked in total control of the game. Hoover again popped up the kick, Wooster fumbled again but this time Wooster recovered. The Vikings had possesion before the half but ran the clock out. Hoover dominated the time of possession in the third quarter. Hoover drove to the Wooster 20, but the drive ended when on 4th and 11 from the 21 Brad Reifsnyder threw an apparent TD pass but he crossed the line of scrimmage therefore Hoover couldn't cash in on a golden opportunity. Hoover in their next drive penetrated to the Wooster 15 yard line. The Vikings though, missed a FG and Wooster took over possession. The Vikings next mistake cost them. Hoover fumbled at the Wooster 33 yard line and the next play Sean Wade conected with RB Bender. The PAT cut the Hoover lead to 28-21. Hoover's next possession was possibly the worst of the season. The Vikings took over at the Wooster 36 they ended up punting out of their own endzone. Wooster took over possession at the Hoover 38. When it seemed Hoover had Wooster stopped, on second and 13 Wooster committed a penalty, Hoover decided to decline the penalty and make it 3rd and 13. The next play nearly put a dagger in the heart of the Vikings. On a broken play, Sean Wade connected with WR Drew Newman for a General's 1st down. Terrell White added a 15 yard TD run a few plays later. That cut the Viking lead to the slimmest of margins to 28-27. Wooster, though, went for 2 and Hoover broke up a pass to preserve their lead. Wooster, with 2 1/2 minutes left, pulled another trick out of the book. The Generals recovered an onside kick. They drove but finally the Vikings stuffed them on a crucial 4th and 2. There was 50 seconds left and Hoover took 3 knees and went home. It was definately an exciting game. Hoover, though, played poorly in several aspects of the game. That being tackling, too many 4th quarter penalties, and too many empty trips in the redzone. Final Stats: Offensive Yards: Hoover 302 yards Wooster 257 yards Passing Yards: Hoover 17 of 22 for 196 yards 2 TDs Wooster 8 for 15 for 116 yards Rushing Yards: Hoover 38 carries 106 yards (Leading rusher Jimmy Pope 85 yards) Wooster 28 carries 141 yards (Leading Rusher Lavonte Harris 85 yards) Total Snaps: Hoover 60 Wooster 43 First Downs: Hoover 15 Wooster 12 PAT's: Hoover 4/4 Wooster 1/2 2 point conversions: Hoover 0/0 Wooster 1/2 FG's: Hoover 0/1 Wooster 0/0 Redzone (Points scored/Trips to the redzone) Hoover 4/6 (4 for 4 in 1st half) Wooster 3/4 Fumbles: Hoover 1 Wooster 0 Interceptions: Hoover 0 Wooster 0 Recovered Onside Kicks: Hoover 1 Wooster 1 Levi |