Wayne defeats Crooked Oak

The Wayne Bulldogs defeated Crooked Oak Friday night, 32-15, in front of a homecoming crowd.

Sophomore Sloan Jackson had a monster game, rushing the 34 times for 253 yards and three touchdowns. He also had a reception for nine yards.

“He ran the ball really well and ran down hill,” Wayne head coach Brandon Sharp said. “Crooked Oak tried to load up the box with nine dudes in there and we were still able to run it. We still had a few busts but the offensive line played a lot better this week.”

He was talking about the group of Ethan Bloodworth, Casey Kane, Joel Rojas, Duke Moore and Kody Kern.

“Crooked Oak had a guy in every gap but those guys were staying hooked up,” Sharp said.

Jaxon Dill started the scoring in the first quarter with a two-yard run.

Jackson made good on the two-point conversion plunge and the Bulldogs were on the board.

Jackson scored again in the first quarter on a five-yard run.

Wayne scored three times in the second quarter – twice by Jackson on runs of 60 and 26, and again on a five-yard pass from Dill to Braden McClendon.

Defense

The Wayne defense had another solid outing and is proving itself to be a major asset for the team this season.

While they gave up over 100 yards rushing in the game, Sharp said they’ve taken a bend but don’t break approach.

“Crooked Oak has some athletes and we did a pretty good job with them,” Sharp said.

Bradey VanSchuyver was big in  the back end and came up with two interceptions.

Senior Eli Hobson continued his strong play and had 10 tackles and a sack.

“He’s playing well for us,” Sharp said.

Moore registered five tackles and a sack from his defensive end spot.

Jackson was not only carrying a large load on the offensive side of the ball – he also had seven tackles on defense at free safety.

“He was very active,” Sharp said.

Brandon Logston provided a spark in the second half at defensive end and had five tackles.

“He had five tackles in the half and just gave great energy,” Sharp said. “He got all those tackles off of effort.”

Sharp was especially proud of the defense considering their youth in the defensive backfield.

“They have responded and are getting better,” he said. Those young guys got thrown to the wolves but they’re  competing.”

Elmore City

Wayne hosts Elmore City Friday for their first District action.

“They’re athletic like they always are,” Sharp confirmed. They have a couple really good skill kids and some big, physical linemen.”

Elmore City head coach Larry Lewis will run his offense out of multiple formations.

“He’ll try to confuse you and get more hats at the point of attack than you,” Sharp said. “We’ll have to be sound and get lined up to their formations. And if we can tackle we’ll be in the game.”

Elmore City bases out of a 4-4 defense but will roll a linebacker down to the line to give a 50 front look.

“We’ll have to take what they give us and play assignment football,” Sharp said.

Notes

Brandon Sharp nominated Sloan Jackson for Offensive Player of the Week.

Casey Kane was nominated for Offensive Lineman of the Week. He graded out at 72%.

Eli Hobson and Bradey VanSchuyver  were nominated for Defensive Player of the Week.

Duke Moore was Sharp’s Defensive Lineman of the Week nominee.