Wayne Defeats Woodland For First Ever State Title

The Bulldogs won their first gold ball with a 35-28 win over the defending Class A state champion Woodland Cougars.

Saturday, December 10th 2011, 5:18 pm

By: News 9


The Wayne Bulldogs are the 2011 Class A state champion after defeating the defending state champions from Woodland 35-28 Saturday afternoon in Stillwater.

Wayne was paced with a big performance by Josh Way who carried the ball 41 times for 281 yards and three touchdowns on the afternoon.

The win is the first ever state championship title for Wayne who finishes the season with a 14-1 record.

"We're really excited it's a great thing for this community," said Wayne head coach Brandon Sharp. "I am so proud of these boys, they played hard."

The Bulldogs got on the board first scoring with just over three minutes left in the first quarter. Quarterback Sam Martin found the end zone on a two-yard touchdown run. Martin's extra point was blocked but Wayne held the 6-0 advantage.

On Woodland's next possession the Cougars answered as Willie Zackery scampered down the sideline 63 yards for a score. Woodland crossed the goal line for the two point conversion to put the Cougars up 8-6.

Wayne took the lead back on a 12-yard touchdown run by Josh Way. Ryan Welch leapt in the air and brought down the two-point conversion pass to put the Bulldogs up 14-8.

Woodland punched in another touchdown just before half. Zalen Edwards' one-handed leaping catch in the end zone tied the game and Cougars took the lead again after Austin Franks caught the pass and crossed the goal line for the two point conversion to put Woodland up 16-14.

The two teams would go to the locker room at the half with Woodland leading 16-14. Wayne had two turnovers, 10 first downs and 162 rushing yards in the first half. Woodland tallied 147 rushing yards, on six first downs.

At the break Way had 19 carries for 119 yards and one touchdown for Wayne, while the Cougars were paced by Zackery who recorded nine carries for 128 yards and a score.

In the third quarter Way scored again for Wayne on a three-yard touchdown run. The two point conversion was intercepted by Woodland, but the Bulldogs were still on top 20-16.

With under eight minutes to play, Woodland's Zackery faked out two defenders and shook a tackle to run to the end zone and cut the score to 27-22.

Wayne added an insurance touchdown with just over six minutes left in the game. Martin held on to a quarterback keeper and fell across the goal line for the one-yard score to give the Bulldogs a 35-22 advantage after Way ran in the two-point conversion.

Way's final 18-yard carry sealed the victory for Wayne. He finished with 41 carries for 281 yards and three scores on the night, a stellar performance that the Bulldogs have relied on all season.

"He's our work horse, give him the ball and good things are going to happen," said Coach Sharp.

"It feels like it is a dream right now. People doubted us after we lost to Minco in week two," said Josh Way. "It's really emotional; we have never gotten past the quarterfinals until this year. I'm happy right now, just speechless."

Coach Brandon Sharp, who is assisted by his brothers Chance and Cole who are also coaches at Wayne says there's nothing like getting to coach and win a state title with his brothers.

"It's unbelievable to be back home and to get to do this," said Brandon Sharp.

Wayne finished with 425 yards of total offense including 358 rushing yards. Woodland rounded out the game with 289 total yards of offense.

The loss for Woodland snaps a 27-game winning streak that began last season when they went undefeated and were crowned the 2010 state champs. The Cougars finish the year at 13-1.

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