BY GENE NARDI
The Wellington High School varsity football squad hosted Olympic Heights High School in a kickoff classic game on Friday, Aug. 22 and coasted to a 32-0 victory over the Lions.
Preseason football games are no stranger to early mistakes as teams prepare for the regular season, but Wellington appeared to eventually shake out the jitters.
Wolverine quarterback Shannon Patrick completed seven of 10 passes for 250 yards, and threw for four touchdowns, with one interception.
Patrick’s early composure proved to be the kick-start the Wolverines needed, but it was the defense that drew first blood, when it held the Lions deep and forced a punt situation to earn a safety and take a 2-0 lead early in the first quarter.
Patrick then unleashed a 38-yard touchdown pass to Ahmmon Richards to extend the Wellington lead to 8-0, but Alex Ng’s point after was blocked.
Olympic Heights had two early opportunities to capitalize inside the red zone on Wellington mistakes, but the Lions were unable to convert those chances into points.
The second quarter started off with another Patrick-to-Richards combination for an 88-yard touchdown. Ng’s point after made it 15-0.
The rest of the night belonged to the Wolverines, as Patrick connected with receiver Jene Rene on a 30-yard touchdown pass. Ng’s kick extended the lead to 22-0.
But the Lions would not go down without a fight, and they took the ensuing kickoff 52 yards into Wolverine territory. However, Wellington’s quick and aggressive defense stifled the offense.
Patrick again connected for a 77-yard touchdown score, this time to receiver Austin Gilman. Ng’s kick made the score 29-0 to end the half.
Wellington would add one more score, a 39-yard field goal by Logan Robinson, to put the game out of reach for the Lions at 32-0.
Richards had three receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Rene had two receptions for 30 yards and a score. Gilman is credited with a touchdown reception. Cornerback Kyle Branch also had an interception for Wellington.
The Wolverines will travel to Santaluces on Friday, Aug. 29 to play the Chiefs at 7 p.m. in the regular season opener.
ABOVE: Wellington’s Jean Rene returns an Olympic Heights punt 33 yards.
