Polk dominates Mtn. Heritage in 80-36 conference win

Published 4:49 pm Monday, October 7, 2013

The Wolverines’ Reece Schlabach takes down Mountain Heritage’s running back, Daulton Buchanan. JC Suddeth (45) and Debois Miller (54) rush to aid Schlabach. (photo by Mark Schmerling)

The Wolverines’ Reece Schlabach takes down Mountain Heritage’s running back, Daulton Buchanan. JC Suddeth (45) and Debois Miller (54) rush to aid Schlabach. (photo by Mark Schmerling)

Expect to stare in disbelief when fans relate the score of Polk County’s football win at Mountain Heritage Friday, Oct. 4.

The Wolverines fell behind early, 14-0, then scored points by almost every method possible, as they demolished the Cougars, 80-36.

The win was the fourth straight for the 4-3 Wolverines, and makes them 2-0 in conference play.

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“This is the most proud I’ve been in a long time,” PCHS head football coach Bruce Ollis told his players shortly after the game ended. “Good teams win on the road. Great teams dominate on the road.”

And the Wolverines dominated, not only taking advantage of Cougar mistakes, but creating opportunities. With 2:18 remaining in the first half, and Polk leading, 19-14, Wolverine defender Debois Miller stripped the ball from a Cougar runner and ran 35 yards for a touchdown.

Ollis called this “the play that set the tempo.” Before Mountain Heritage could score again, Polk led, 53-14, and the Cougar’s early momentum faded.

The Polk faithful who made the long trip were treated to plays they’ll enjoy discussing all winter, and maybe longer. Though Ollis pulled many of his starters, the Wolverines kept scoring. The first time he handled the ball in a game, talented freshman Storm Wheeler sprinted 75 yards for a touchdown, with just under 4 minutes left. The PAT kick that followed ended the scoring.

Eight Wolverines scored touchdowns, including Reece Schlabach, Jordan Smith (121 rushing yards on just six carries), Matt Darden, Jamal Tanner with two apiece. Tyrone Miller, Anthony Carson, Debois Miller and Wheeler added one each.

Polk’s first score came with 4:36 left in the first quarter. Schlabach passed to Carson, who displayed his usual knack for adding yards to catches. This play went for a 35-yard score. About two minutes later, Smith ate up 51 yards, and scored his first touchdown of the evening. The first quarter ended with Mountain Heritage up 14-12. Polk missed its PAT attempt after the first score, and failed to make a two-point conversion after the second.

In the second quarter, Wolverine pressure forced a poor punt by the Cougars, with Polk taking possession at its 46. A 28-yard pass completion to Tyrone Miller set up a first and goal at the Cougar five. Darden covered that distance for a score. Anthony Marino’s PAT was good, putting Polk ahead, 19-14.

After Debois Miller’s 35-yard scoring romp. Schlabach intercepted one of Robinson’s passes with 30 seconds left in the half, to keep the Wolverines ahead, 26-14 at the half.