The Wayne Bulldog football team dug its way out of a hole to rally for their first District win of the season, defeating Elmore City 32-28.

Wayne found themselves behind 22-6 in the second quarter to the Badgers.

But an observation by the Wayne coaching staff led to a mid-game adjustment that paid dividends for the Bulldogs.

“Our coaches saw they were loading the box so we did a couple run plays to see what they were doing,” head coach Brandon Sharp said. “The next play we hit a tight end seam route that got us back in the game. Our backs were against the wall and it was a good find by my coaches up top.”

The mid-game turnaround turned into a passing bonanza for the normally run-heavy Wayne offense.

Quarterback Eli Stottlemyre would go on to complete three of his four touchdown passes of the night.

Stottlemyre had touchdown connections of 29 yards, 63 yards, 69 yards and nine yards.

“That’s the most touchdown passes we’ve had in a game in several years,” Sharp said.

Max McGlory was on the receiving end of three of those passes and finished the night with five catches for 122 yards and three offensive touchdowns.

The other score was caught by Logan Simpson on the 63-yard trek.

“When we were down 20-6 in the first quarter we had every opportunity to lay down and give up,” Sharp said. “But those kids kept battling and found a way to make a couple of plays to get back in it. We went toe to toe with them in the second half. I’m so proud of them and their willingness to keep fighting to the end.”

Stottlemyre ended the night with 72 yards rushing on 17 carries and 197 yards through the air, going 7-12 with four TDs.

Defense

The Wayne defense didn’t break in the second half and it proved to be just what the doctor ordered for the comeback victory.

“We didn’t always get lined up but we did what we had to do to get back in it for the win,” Sharp said.

McGlory had a heavy hand in the defensive effort, securing two interceptions in the game – one of which he took back 85 yards for a Wayne touchdown. He also had six tackles.

“He definitely blew up that game,” Sharp said. “He stepped in front of an out route when he got the pick six.”

Simpson and Idleman both finished the night with seven tackles.

Riley Taylor registered three tackles and had a fumble recovery.

Jeremiah Peterson also had a fumble recovery.

Lukas Hannah forced a fumble in the game.

“The kids just kept battling,” Sharp said.

Rush Springs

Rush Springs (3-4) visits Wayne this Thursday, due to the chance of thunderstorms on Friday, in front of a homecoming crowd.

“They’re a good football team,” Sharp confirmed. “They’ve put up points and have scored on everyone.”

Rush Springs will operate out of a pro-style shotgun offense and will put the ball in the air a lot.

“They like to throw it all over the yard,” Sharp said. Their quarterback is good.”

They will base out of a 4-3 defense but Sharp has seen them slip into a 50 front as well.

“They are a gritty football team and we’ll have to match their physicality.

Notes

Homecoming coronation will be at 6:30 Thursday night at D.S. Zack Powell Stadium with kickoff to follow at 7 p.m.

Head Coach Brandon Sharp nominated Eli Stottlemyre for Heart of Oklahoma Offensive Player of the Week.

His nominee for Heart of Oklahoma Defensive Player of the Week was Max McGlory.

Logan Simpson was his Defensive Lineman of the Week nominee.