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McKoy Coulson (8) hits high gear on a touchdown run Friday night against Sunrise Christian Academy. Accompanying him are blockers Cole Sikes (84) and Cody Cook (60). Photo/Brian Blansett
Once they got past a penalty-filled first quarter, the Wellston Tigers had little trouble dispatching the Sunrise Christian Academy Buffaloes, 58-28, on Homecoming Friday night.
The first period dragged on as the officials paced off penalty yards in both directions, but the Tigers punctuated the flags with back-to-back one-play scoring drives to take a 20- 14 lead.
After that, it was almost all Wellston, as the Tigers outscored the Buffaloes 38-14 the rest of the way.
“I thought we came out a little nervous about Homecoming, a little nervous about getting a positive note to get something going for our season,” said Wellston coach James Jones. “I think we came out intent on playing really hard and we took it took it too far. Once we got that reeled back in, we picked up and took off.”
Kage Danker started the Wellston scoring with a 59-yard touchdown run and McKoy Coulson added an 80-yard run and a 84-yard touchdown pass in the first period.
In the second quarter, Lane Kulp returned an interception for a touchdown to make it 28-14.
The Tigers recovered the ensuing kickoff, and Danker hit Coulson for a 30-yard touchdown pass, making the score 36-14 and eliminating any lingering doubts about the eventual outcome.
The victory lifted the Tigers’ record to 3-4, going into their game with Life Prep Academy from Kansas.
“I feel really good about where we are,” Jones said. “We played some really good teams early and certainly had to struggle, and I think we have come together and learned from that, become stronger as a team.
“I think we’re ready to finish strong at the tail-end of our season.”
The Tigers finished with 301 yards of total offense. Coulson ran for 80 yards and Danker for 59, and Danker threw for 62 yards and Coulson for 84. Joey Brown led the team with eight
Joey Brown led the team with eight tackles, including one for a loss.
Jacob Saxon had five tackles, including three for negative yardage and two sacks.
Clint Darnell had three stops, with a sack and a tackle for loss.