YATES CENTER — Ben Wiehn took full advantage of his three-day layoff.
After Yates Center High’s game Friday against Pleasanton was suspended early in the second quarter due to lightning, and pushed back to Monday evening, Wiehn hit the film room to figure out a way to overcome the Blu-Jays’ attacking defense.
What he discovered was Pleasanton’s aggressive linebackers swarmed to the ball on almost every Yates Center carry.
In response, Wiehn began calling a number of backside running plays and counter-traps when play resumed, allowing the defenders to flow past before runners hit the line of scrimmage.
The strategy shift paid off handsomely.
After being shut out Friday, Yates Center exploded for 38 points in quarters 2-4 in a 38-8 victory.
The win lifts Yates Center’s record to 3-2 on the season and 1-0 in district play.
“One of the benefits of having the time off was getting to see the film,” Wiehn said.
The primary beneficiary was Yates Center quarterback Caleb DeNoon, who rushed for 215 yards and three touchdowns.
His 34-yard scamper midway through the second quarter set up Austin McNett’s two-yard touchdwn run with 3:55 left in the half.
DeNoon then capped another scoring drive with an 18-yard touchdown run 11 seconds before the half.
The second touchdown gave the Wildcats a boost of confidence going into halftime.
DeNoon’s fun continued in the second. He scored on a three-yard run midway through the third period and on an eight-yard run early in the fourth, pushing the lead to 32-0.
Justin Rossillon’s two-yard run capped the Wildcat scoring.
Meanwhile, Yates Center’s defense was in full control.
While Pleasanton was able to muster an occasional first down, the Wildcat defense clamped down every time the Blu-Jays neared scoring range.
“That’s the best our defense has played all season,” Wiehn said. “It would’ve been nice to get the goose egg.”
The Blu-Jays avoided the shutout by scoring late in the fourth quarter, well after Wiehn had replaced his starters with reserves.
McNett added 72 yards on 17 carries. DeNoon completed 2 of 7 passes for 26 yards. Both receptions went to Robert Arnold.
Jason Wendland paced the Wildcat defense with 14 tackles. Arnold and DeNoon recovered fumbles. Trevor Chism added a third-quarter interception.
The game capped Yates Center’s homecoming week. Miles Dice was crowned king and Mindi Holloway queen during festivities before the game was suspended Friday.
Yates Center doesn’t have much time to bask in its victory.
The Wildcats will host highly regarded Marais des Cygnes Valley Friday in another district contest.
Pleasanton 0-0-0-8—8
Yates Center 0-16-8-14—38
YC — McNett 2 yd run (McNett run)
YC — DeNoon 18 yd run (McNett run)
YC — DeNoon 3 yd run (DeNoon run)
YC — DeNoon 8 yd run (McNett run)
YC — Rossillon 2 yd run (run failed)
Pleasanton — Johnson 8 yd run (Johnson run)
Weather delay pays off for Yates Center
