Western Wayne’s freshmen football team closed out its ‘09 campaign this week with a battle against perennial LFC power Scranton Prep.

The Wildcats carried an undefeated record into this Monday afternoon showdown, but suffered a disappointing loss due in large part to a deadly rash of turnovers.

Prep scored early & often en route to an eventual 42-16 win.

Despite this setback, Western Wayne still finished up its season with a stellar 7-1-1 record.

“I’m proud of the kids,” veteran Coach Gary Enslin told TWI Sports. “We really had a super season. Losing to Prep like that wasn’t the way we wanted it to end, but seven wins is a pretty good accomplishment.”

Lightning Strikes
Scranton Prep opened the scoring in this one, thanks to a quick-strike attack.

The Cavaliers’ offense seemed to be sputtering on its first possession...especially when Virgil Burns registered the first of his three sacks. Western Wayne’s freshman nose tackle forced the visitors into a 3rd & 13 at the 35, but the Cavs converted.

Prep executed a textbook wide receiver screen that went 65 yards for a touchdown.

Burns quickly made his presence felt on offense as well. Virgil, who plays fullback, gave Western Wayne a first down in Prep territory. Burns carried a pair of defenders on his back and finally collapsed to the turf after a 22-yard rumble.

Moments later, however, the drive came screeching to a halt when Robbie Siclari fumbled. It was the first of six Wildcat turnovers on a frustrating day.

Western Wayne’s defensive unit forced a 3-and-out, taking possession at its own 25.

Siclari quickly atoned for his fumble, breaking loose on a 75-yard touchdown run. Robbie took a hand-off from quarterback Johnny Rhodes, cut to his right and was gone.

The Cavs’ defense had no answer for Siclari on this particular night. Robbie ran wild, piling up 242 yards and a pair of TDs on 24 carries.

“He’s the best back around as far as I’m concerned,” Coach Enslin said. “He can run over you or run by you. Robbie has the whole package.”

Burns crashed in for the two-point conversion and Western Wayne suddenly had itself an 8-6 first quarter lead.

Disaster Strikes
Sadly for the big hometown crowd, Scranton Prep controlled the rest of the game.

The Cavs took advantage of four more Western Wayne fumbles and used its deadly aerial assault to score on five of their next six possessions.

Western Wayne trailed 20-8 with time winding down in the second quarter, but had itself a 1st & goal inside the 5-yardline. Unfortunately for the ‘Cats, time ran out before they could get into the endzone.

“It was very, very frustrating,” said Coach Enslin. “We had a solid gameplan coming in...but, the kids just didn’t protect the ball. It’s really disappointing to lose a game like that.”

Siclari rounded out the Wild-cat scoring. Robbie embarked on a 60-yard TD run late in the second half. Burns tacked on the 2-point conversion once again, but it was too little, too late.

Score by Quarters...
WW (7-1-1)  8   0   0   8 - 16
SP   (7-2-0) 12  8  14  8 - 42