Tigers Roar To 2-0 Start With 49-0 Victory Over Southern
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SHADYSIDE - It was Casketmaker night at Fleming Field on Friday, a salute to years past, and coach Mike Kernik's team decided they may as well take Tiger fans back in time with a dominating performance against Southern Local.
In improving to 2-0 on the young season, Kernik's group has already equaled last year's win total and seem primed to fly past that number this season.
Senior Jayden Johnson compiled 144 yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter alone, while Shadyside spread the wealth on offense and the defense was dominant as the Tigers roared to a convincing 49-0 victory over the Indians in front of a large and spirited crowd.
Overall, Shadyside had has different players score a touchdown, eight different receivers catch a pass and seven different players carry the ball. On defense, the Orange-and-Black held Southern (0-2) to a total of just 16 yards.
"I am so proud of these kids, they work so hard and they deserve this," Kernik said. "They do everything we ask and they want to win and succeed, you can just see all of that pouring out of them.
"They came out with the exact same excitement as last week and they once again played physical and aggressive."
Shadyside won the toss, took the ball, and needed just three plays to hit the end zone. Johnson rambled 25 on first down and after a no-gainer hit freshman Logan Cather with a 34-yard strike on a quick out for the touchdown. Senior Hunter Ramsey booted the first of seven PATs.
The Tigers' next possession lasted just a single play with Johnson busting up the middle for a 41-yard scamper at 7:40 for a quick 14-0 advantage. The hosts needed six plays a short time later, traveling 47 yards, before senior Ace Nelson busted in from a yard out.
Drive number four began at the Southern nine following an interception before Colt Cook went in for the score on the second one-play drive of the first quarter and a 28-0 lead.
Shadyside did not let up in the second frame, adding another pair of touchdowns on runs by Kolton Wallace, a one-yard burst, and Michael Hendershot's 29-yard punt return that made it 42-0 at the break. The Tigers did get the ball inside the enemy 10 late but made their lone mistake of the half with a fumble.
Freshman Ace Ongley made an appearance under center midway through the third, completing a pair of passes for two first downs, before classmate Jonah Klug made it 49-0 with a two-yard run.
"The competition in practice is so competitive so we know we have the ability to spread the ball around, and we did that (Friday)", Kernik added. "Last week's win help create confidence and now we have a ton of momentum, we just need to stay focused and keep doing what we are doing.
"The offensive and defensive lines both controlled everything and we get our hands on guys.
"Listen, we are a team and we want to get everyone involved, but you have to mention the leadership and ability of Jayden Johnson. He has improved in so many ways and his decision making and speed help get us going. He makes huge plays and is a difference maker. On the other hand all of skill players and linemen came to play (Friday)."