Clayton Throws for Two TDs in Wahconah Win
DALTON, Mass. — The Wahconah football team looked flawless on Friday as it took down East Longmeadow, 56-21.
It was a strong performance from the defending Western Mass Champions, clicking on all cylinders to make this a one-sided game.
The game started with an impressive 76-yard drive from Wahconah (5-0) that was finished off with a Connor Noyes 2-yard touchdown. It didn’t take East Longmeadown (3-2) long to answer with a nice 100-yard kickoff return from Elijah Johnson. That was the extent of the scoring for East Longmeadow in the first half as Wahconah dominated the game from that point on.
Tanner Hastings broke a 26-yard touchdown run off for his first touchdown of the game to make it 14-7. Hastings added another touchdown later in the game and finished with 78 yards rushing.
Dane Campbell was the next Wahconah weapon to make a difference with an end around for 15 yards and a score. Wahconah’s defense kick-started the next two scores with a fumble recovery by Drew Thorton that let to a Connor Noyes touchdown and then a Campbell interception that led to an immediate Tom Burris receiving touchdown from Tim Clayton.
Clayton had two throwing touchdowns on the night with 60 yards passing and 25 yards on the ground. Wahconah tacked on another touchdown before the half giving them a commanding 42-7 lead.
“We hit on all cylinders, we had the running game going we had the passing game going. I thought we did a good job keeping them off balance on offense, and defensively we caught up and had as good of a first half we have played all year.” Wahconah coach Gary Campbell said.
In the second half, East Longmeadow’s only bright spot was Elijah Johnson, who, after scoring that 100-yard kickoff return in the first quarter added another rushing touchdown to make it 42-14. After Hastings’ second touchdown of the game to make it 49-14, backup Wahconah lost a fumble to give East Longmeadow its final score of the game with Hunter Mazza scooping and scoring with the recovery. Wahconah added one more touchdown on a big run from Antwan Fye to conclude the scoring.
It has been an impressive start to the season for this young Wahconah team. They will look to continue this form next Friday against Northampton on the road for the Route 9 Rumble trophy.
“We’re kind of a young team, I think we have a high ceiling, I expect us to get better and better and not be satisfied.” Gary Campbell said. “I need them to stay focused on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and get better everyday. 5-0 is done all we can do is Northampton.”