An injury-riddled Wilmington High School football team limps into its Homecoming game Friday night with Goshen at Alumni Field.
But head coach Scott Killen is making no excuses.
“We took some major hits on the injury front last week,” Killen said. “We have talked all week that adversity brings out your true character and we are going to see what type of character we have for the remaining four games. Young guys are going to have to grow up quickly and get ready for the Friday Night Lights. Injuries are part of the game and handling adversity is part of life. We are going to see who we are this week.”
Killen did not offer playing status for any of the injured players. As reported in Saturday’s News Journal during a 41-21 loss to New Richmond, quarterback Brady Evans, lineman Doug Eastes and do-it-all weapon Dylan Beaugard all left the game with injuries.
“New Richmond is a good football team and we hit some adversity that we had to battle through,” Killen said. “New Richmond was able to take advantage of some breakdowns.”
Mason McIntosh finished the game at quarterback for WHS and would be the guy if Evans can’t go. He was solid (12-24 for 112 yards and a touchdown) but would be expected to be better with a full week of practice under his belt with the first-string offense, again if Evans is unable to play.
Rather than get a push-over opponent to ease some of the young players into the injury-depleted lineup, Killen and the Hurricane get an unbeaten Goshen team.
“Goshen is a power football team,” said Killen. “Their defense takes advantage of miscues and is averaging at least one score a game.”
Jimmy Strunk is the hard-charging running back that leads the Warriors. He is the fourth leading ground gainer in the league with 692 yards and 12 touchdowns.
“He is a physical runner,” Killen said.
Goshen coach Ryan George said his Warriors played well in a 56-0 win over Western Brown last week. The offense played well and the defense posted a shutout.
As for the Hurricane, George said, “Wilmington is a tough team that is well-coached. They are physical and athletic. This will be a big challenge for us.”
While the sting of a loss to New Richmond remains, Killen said the Lions are one of the best teams in the American Division.
“New Richmond has made the playoffs the last two seasons,” he said. “They have a culture of winning. They are a veteran football team that is battle-tested. We have no choice but to get back and finish strong and see what happens.”
