Perrysburg junior running back Nico Walkosky (24) runs with blockers through Clay’s line at Steinecker Stadium. (Drake Harlett | Sentinel-Tribune)
By Bryce Hudik
Special to the Sentinel-Tribune
PERRYSBURG — Even with Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and Perrysburg graduate Jim Leyland in attendance, Perrysburg’s defense was not going be outdone, thumping Clay during their Homecoming, 35-7, at Steinecker Stadium Friday.
The score was not indicative of both teams’ offenses, as the Yellow Jackets outgained the Eagles, 293-214 in total yards, and the Jackets had 19 first downs to the Eagles’ 16.
Perrysburg’s defense and special teams scored twice en route to the victory, plus they carded five sacks of Pittsburgh University-bound Clay quarterback Mason Heintschel and forced two fumbles.
“Our defense is pretty good, and I thought they did a really good job tonight against a high-powered offense,” said Perrysburg coach Dirk Conner.
The defense began its magic after a scoreless first quarter and Leyland’s honoring at midfield, when Perrysburg’s Dylan Blubaugh timed the snap and sprung across the line, blocking Clay’s punt. He recovered his own block in the end zone for the game’s first points.
On Clay’s ensuing drive, a Perrysburg sack forced a fumble recovered by linebacker Joseph Seney, setting up the Yellow Jackets’ offense deep in Clay territory.
However, Perrysburg returned the ball into Clay’s hands after defensive back Aaron Miller picked off Perrysburg senior QB Josh Takats.
That spurred a long drive, highlighted by Heintschel completing a long pass while getting tackled to his favorite target, tight end Hudson Byers. Heintschel capped off the drive by rushing up the gut from two yards out for a touchdown.
“No. 6 (Heintschel) is a special athlete,” said Conner. “He gives everybody fits but for the most part. I thought we did a really good job containing him.”
After Heintschel’s touchdown tying the game 7-7 in the second quarter, the Clay QB’s team did not reach the end zone again and they were swarmed by the Perrysburg defense the entire game.
To end the half, several gashing runs by Perrysburg running back Nico Walkosky drove the Jackets into Clay territory. Walkosky finished his handy work by scoring on an inside handoff from five yards out with only 40 seconds remaining until halftime. A two-point conversion run by Walkosky made it 15-7 entering intermission.
That seemed to give Perrysburg the momentum they were looking for. After forcing a Clay punt early in the second half, the Jackets went the length of the field capping a 10-play, 65-yard drive with a Takats’ seven-yard rushing touchdown.
The next time Clay touched the ball, they were faced with a fourth down and six. Heintschel was in the shotgun, seemingly ready to attempt the fourth down try when he dropped back, and pooch punted it. This resulted in a Perrysburg muff, Clay fumble recovery, and set up Clay’s offense in prime position to make it a one-score game.
Backs against the wall, Perrysburg came up with an impressive stop to erase the special teams’ blunder. Another churning drive produced Walkosky’s second rushing score, this time from five yards out, putting the Jackets up, 29-7.
Still in the game, Clay put together a solid drive and was looking to score when Heintschel was sacked, putting the ball on the turf for the second time. Zach Schroeder scooped it up and ran 64 yards for the scoop and score.
“We take a lot of pride in our defense,” said Perrysburg linebacker Jonathan Butterfield. “We just have to keep playing one week at a time and play to that high standard.”
Butterfield finished the game with one sack and was one of five Perrysburg defenders to record a sack. Defensive lineman Eric Bush led the way with 1½ sacks.
Walkosky ran for 123 yards on 18 attempts and two touchdowns while Takats carried it 13 times for 92 yards and a score. Takats completed 11-of-16 passes for 81 yards, including two to J.D. Zeeb for 24 yards and four to Dominick Woods for 22 yards.
Heintschel threw for 128 yards, completing 18-of-22 passes while rushing for 65 yards and a touchdown. Byers caught four passes for 65 yards.
Perrysburg will look to continue their unbeaten ways (5-0) next Friday when they travel to Sylvania Northview’s Cat Stadium for their Northern Lakes League Buckeye Division opener. Clay drops to 3-2 and will take on Bowling Green (3-2) next Friday at home.
