NOVEMBER 28, 2015
Rebs have that ‘WHEELING FEELING’
Fort Gay, W. Va — Sometimes you better be careful what you wish for because it will come back to bite you and that is exactly what happened at Wilt Salmons Athletic Complex as the Tolsia Rebels ( 12-1 ) completely dominated Yogi Kinder and the Mingo Central Miners ( 10-3 ) 22-0 in front of a standing room only crowd in the Semifinals of the WVSSAC Class AA playoffs last night.
In week 2 of the season the Tolsia defense gave up 41 points to the Miners in a 44-41 victory and the players warned Tolsia they would meet again. But on this night the ( Orange Crush ) only allowed 90 yards of total offense and knocked Star QB Stevie Hammonds out of the game.
On the Rebels first drive of the game the tone was set as they marched right down the field all on running plays and Senior Seth McMillion cashed in on a 1 yard touchdown and Jennings Holland added the two point conversion run and it was 8-0 Tolsia.
After forcing a Miner punt the Rebels went back to work behind the offensive line getting 3 to 4 yards a carry and the Miners defense kept getting closer to the line of scrimmage to stop it when McMillion faked the run and rolled out to his right and found WR Brian Campbell all alone for a 27 yard touchdown and put the Rebels up 14-0.
On the next Miner drive they moved the ball inside the 10 yard line before the Tolsia defense stopped them on 4th and 5 and then ran out the clock out before halftime and the score was 14-0 Tolsia.
In the second half it was more of the same as Tolsia pounded the football behind Luke Presley and Holland and kept the potent Miner offense off of the field. Time of Possession was in favor of the Rebels on this night.
The Tolsia defense allowed negative yards in the second half.
Presley capped off the scoring from 22 yards out and added the two point conversion with 4:34 to go in the third quarter and the Rebels could punch their ticket for Wheeling and the State Championship game.
I have watched football for a long time and I don’t remember a more dominant game on the defensive side and it was led by Jacob Maynard, Presley, McMillion, Jeb Evans, Holland and Logan Presley who picked up an Interception in the game.
Tolsia is now 2-1 in Semifinal games. In 2003 the Rebels lost to Williamstown and in 2006 they defeated James Monroe. The Rebels will make their 2nd appearance in a State Football Championship and will play the Bridgeport Indians ( 12-0-1 ) who took out Fairmont Senior 28-20.
The STATE FINALS game will be played December 4th at Wheeling Island Stadium in Wheeling, W. Va gametime will be 7:30 for the WVSSAC Class AA State Championship.
COACH’S AND PLAYER COMMENTS:
Tolsia Head Coach Mike Smith:
“Wow man, we are headed to Wheeling! What a year! Look at these stands what a crowd — they love these kids.” What a job our line has done all year long, three 1,000 yard rushers. they have all worked so hard and these kids deserve it,”
Tolsia Defensive Coordinator Eric Crum:
” Ever since the Boyd Co. game our defense has come together that was a wake up call and the best thing that could have happened to us even though it hurt at the time.” Great group of guys, they prepare so hard and deserve everything they get.” Getting Logan Presley back from injury was huge for us.”
Tolsia Advisor Matt Stanley:
“…Knew we were going to be good, these kids have won at every level, had to get them in the right spots.” From top to bottom top notch people on this staff.” Defense has gotten better every week, when we got Logan Presley back and could put players back in the right positions was big.” We are peaking at the right time.”
Tolsia RB/LB Jennings Holland:
“…Headed to Wheeling, been working on this since youth league.” We knew it would come one day, our first few years in high school it was a struggle but we got on board for one goal and that was Wheeling.” Our line was awesome tonight and have been all year.”
Tolsia RB/DB Luke Presley:
” Can’t give the line enough credit it all starts with them.” Couldn’t do anything without them.” We kept the ball away from Mingo Central and that was the game plan.”
