High school football: Wapakoneta leads Elida at halftime

ELIDA – Wapakoneta jumped out to an early 14-0 lead over Elida.

However, the Bulldogs battled back to cut the deficit in half by halftime, 14-7, in a West Buckeye League game Friday at Kraft Stadium.

Wapakoneta entered Friday’s contest at 5-1 overall and 5-0 in the WBL. Elida entered Friday’s game 4-2 overall and 3-2 in league play.

On Wapakoneta’s first possession of the game, the Redskins were forced to attempt a long field goal. Kyle Beach attempted a free kick from 50 yards out, but his shot went just wide and missed.

Wapakoneta scored 8 points for 65 yards late in the first quarter. Freshman quarterback Caleb Moyer connected with Grant Jolley for a 39-yard touchdown pass. Preston Meyer’s extra point gave the Redskins a 7-0 lead with eight seconds left in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Redskins struck again.

Wapakoneta drove 48 yards in eight plays for its second score of the first half. Jace Nous broke free with a 26-yard run to the end zone. Meyer’s extra point gave Wapakoneta a 14-0 lead with 6:53 left in the half.

Knus rushed for 82 yards on 14 carries in the first half.

Elida finally got on the scoreboard at the end of the second quarter.

Quarterback Ryan McGue connected with Jackson Kowalt for an 18-yard TD pass. Grant Hardeman’s extra point pulled the Bulldogs within 7, 14-7, with 3:41 left in the first half.

With seven seconds left in the half, Kyle Breech attempted a 41-yard field goal but missed.

Wapakoneta had 163 yards of offense in the first half.

Elida’s offensive unit recorded 76 yards of offense in the first 24 minutes of action.

Contact the Lima News sports department at 567-242-0451.