Wilmington High School head football coach Scott Killen is looking forward to the start of SBAAC American Division play.
“Looking at it, the SBAAC definitely appears to be better in terms of playoff points and readiness,” Killen said about the new league compared to the old SCOL. “It’s going to be a tough and fun five weeks. We are looking forward to it.”
The tough road begins 7 p.m. Friday when the Hurricane travels south to New Richmond to face the Lions. It’ll be New Richmond’s annual Homecoming game.
Festivities and hoopla aside, the Lions are a darn good football team.
“New Richmond is a bunch of scrappers and grinders,” Killen said. “They are tough-nosed.”
After a loss to Indian Hill in the opener, the Lions have won four straight, although none of the teams have winning records. Wilmington also is 4-1 on the year.
New Richmond is No. 12 in the Div. III Region 12 playoff standings while the Hurricane is currently No. 8.
“They are led by their QB Josh Anderson,” Killen said of NRHS. “We are going to be in for a fight.”
Anderson is a dual threat. He has 438 yards and three scores on the ground to lead the Lions rushing attack but also has thrown for 887 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Dylan Beaguard offers a multi-faceted threat to the Hurricane offense. WHS has piled up yardage and points this season in dizzying fashion. The numbers have been balanced between run and pass.
Beaugard has 296 yards rushing, 123 yards passing and 397 yards receiving. He has scored 10 touchdowns on his own while throwing for two more scores. His TDs have been distributed as follows – 5 rushing, 3 receiving, 2 kick returns.
DJ Ames is the leading rusher in the SBAAC with 747 yards and 11 scores. Brady Evans has thrown for nearly 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns as the Hurricane QB.
Wilmington has totaled more than 600 yards in two games – against East Clinton and Vandalia Butler. The 412 against Blanchester is the lowest yardage total for a single game this season.
