The Mail-Journal, Volume 22, Number 46, Milford, Kosciusko County, 13 November 1985 — Page 8

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL —Wed., November 13,1985

Sports

Wawasee wins with defense

By DAVESTRAUB Sports Editor Plymouth Coach Bill Nixon said it best when assessing his team’s 7-0 defeat to Wawasee in last Friday’s Sectional 18 title game at Syracuse: “We got beat by the better team. It wasn’t a fluke. Anyone who saw this game knows better.”

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FUMBLE! — Eric Jones (85) and Scott McDowell pounce on this Plymouth fumble. Teammates Steve Sturgill (76) and Lance Lantz (87) also react. (Photo by Dave Straub)

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CUTTING UPFIELD — Rob McKibben follows a lead block by Ron Gerber (left) and slices into a sizeable hole. (Photo by Dave Straub)

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When it comes to defense, it seems nobody has a better one than the 7-4 Warriors. They limited the Rockies to six first downs, 76 total yards and a goose egg on the scoreboard. “We just proved that we were better than 23-7 losers,” said Wawasee Coach Myron Dickerson in reference to the Warrior’s homecoming loss against the Rockies (7-4) in September.

“After our losses to North Wood and Plymouth, I told them we would probably play one of those teams again.” And the Warriors played hard. They overcame two first quarter fumbles, refusing to let those homecoming horrors taint a history- making playoff drive. On the second play from scrimmage, Wawasee muffed a pitch play. The defense responded and stop-

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ped Plymouth when Scott McDowell pounced on a fumble at the Warrior 14. Wawasee fumbled again, giving the Rockies possession on its. 19. Plymouth then tried to muscle the Warriors with its strong running attack, but the defense stuffed those hopes. Tailback Charlie Pinkerton gained nothing in two carries while Quarterback Dave Hoover threw an incomplete pass on fourth down. The 5-10 senior hit only one of 10 attempts for 13 yards and was intercepted three times. “The kids really proved their poise,” said Dickerson. “We didn’t want any bad plays and the entire team has shown great strength and has played great defense.” However, the Wawasee mentor credited Plymouth’s defense. After all, the Warriors were held to 162 yards and 10 first downs. “There are some outstanding players on that team,” said Dickerson. “They showed a lot of class and I tell you, that was a hard-hitting affair out there.” It was an affair Wawasee would rather win. The Warriors wouldn’t trade a homecoming victory for a sectional trophy, which they proudly hoisted in a joyous post-game celebration on the field. “This was not a revenge game,” Dickerson responded when asked how sweet such a thing was. “This was a game of promise for us.” Wawasee fulfilled that promise with an impressive 15-play, 85-yard drive which began late in the first quarter. Backs Ron Gerber and McDowell pounded out tough real estate as Quarterback Brad Traviolia passed for 21 yards with completions to Ben Beer and Lance Lantz. The march was capped off when Traviolia tucked the ball away and raced nine yards for the game’s only score. Jeff Taylor kicked the extra point to make it 7-0 halfway through the second quarter. The rest was left to the defense. And the defense performed. “Wawasee was the first team to jam it down our throats all year,” said Nixon. “No one has ever tried that on us before, but Wawasee did it and they were successful. They just beat us on the line of scrimmage. “We played not to lose.” Though disgusted with his

team, Nixon said: “I’d rather lose a game like this to Myron than to anyone else. He’s a pepper pot and he certainly deserves this.” About Traviolia: “I like him,” said the Plymouth boss. “He’s so smart and he keeps his cool. It’s important for any good team to have a quarterback like that.” Outstanding defensive efforts were turned in by the defensive line, anchored by Steve Sturgill. In addition, Traviolia, Steve Galegor and Troy Reiff each had interceptions to stem further scoring threats from the Rockies. “I’m blessed to have such good, intelligent kids on my roster,” said Dickerson. “We may not have the biggest ones, but we have quality ones. We just gotta thank the good Lord that we’ve come this far. Now, we have that momentum. • Kankakee Valley Contest Starts At 8:30 Since the visitors are an hour behind in time zone location, this Friday’s regional championship game will start at 8:30 p.m. at Wawasee. This will be the fourth straight time the Warriors will host a playoff game and is certainly a welcome advantage. “It’s been great incentive for us,” said Dickerson. “But we think this is such a good show that we would like to take it on the road for a change.” What the Wawasee coach really means is that he thinks the Warriors can make to the Class AAA state championship game at the Indianapolis Hoosier Dome on Friday, Nov. 29. It would be a night game and Dickerson truly believes Wawasee can get there. After, all, the Warriors have beaten three teams in the playoffs — with a combined 20-7 record. Visiting Kankakee Valley, 20-19 overtime winners over Hammond Clark, is 7-4. In addition, Wawasee could even host the semi-state contest if Mississinewa defeats Hamilton Southeastern in the other bracket. If Hamilton wins, the Warriors will travel to Noblesville. But Wawasee has to win first. Ticket sales for Friday’s regional game will be from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Cost is $3.50 for everyone. Season tickets as well as green and gold passes will not be honored.

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HOT PURSUIT — Wawasee’s Scott McDowell chases Plymouth Quarterback Dave Hoover on this running play in the first quarter of Friday’s sectional title game. The Warriors won, 7-0 and will host the regional championship contest at 8:30 p.m. this Friday. (Photo by Dave Straub)

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WARRIOR BRAINTRUST — Assistant Coach Jim Jones gives Brad Traviolia some advice while Head Coach Myron Dickerson (with head phones) scopes the field. (Photo by Dave Straub)

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Swim team ends best season

The Wawasee girls’ swim team closed the regular dual meet season with a 122-49 win over visiting Manchester last Wednesday. The victory gives the Lady Warriors an 11-3-1 record, which is the best in girls swimming history at Wawasee. The LadyiWarriors posted nine firsts, including the medley and freestyle relays.

Shawn Anderson captured the 50-yard freestyle in 28.5. Jeanine Gunn won one-meter diving with 232.9 points. Stef Berkey claimed the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 1:12.2. Other winners included Julie McDaniel in the 100-yard freestyle (1:007), Pam Foyle in the SQO-yard freestyle (5:36.9), Danielle Iwankowitsch in the 100-yard backstroke (1:09.6) and Kari Huey in the 100-yard breastroke (1:21.3).

Adult basketball results

The Wawasee adult basketball league swung into its third week of action Monday night. Baker's Boy’s club ran its record to 2-1 with a 79-62 win over Lawsons (0-3). Mike Bradford led the winners with 21 points while chris Sterling canned 21 for Lawsons. The Laundry Basket remained perfect in three outings with a 83-80 double-overtime victory over Pilcher’s. Brian Walls scored 24 points for the winners. Brent Messmer tallied 19 for Pilcher’s. Sturonjac (3-0) blew out Flexsteel, 73-49. Todd Davis paced a

Last Tuesday, Wawasee lost a tough meet to Penn, 46-37. Yet, the Lady Warriors won six of 11 events. Winners were Iwankowitsch, Berkey, Foyle, McDaniel, Steph Eldridge and Stacie Boles. Tomorrow, Wawasee will compete in sectional action at Elkhart Central. Preliminary heats will begin at 5:30 p.m. The final races will be Saturday at 3 p.m. Diving competition starts at Ba.m.

balanced scoring attack with 15 tallies. Flexsteel’s Mike Wimmer scored 26 points. North American Wire Die upped its mark to 3-0 with, a 76-48 romp over Super Sounds (0-3). C.T.B. drilled Fairmont, 76-40 for its third straight win. Bill Fawley poured in 22 points for C.T.B. while Jeff Beasely contributed 12 for Fairmont. 'A And Dana won its first contest in three outings with a 70-52 decision over Syracuse Rubber. Dan Krisco scored 21 for Dana. Harry Heche scored 24 for the losers.