Northwestern Thrashes Maplewood @NWSD_FOOTBALL @MHSTigersFootb1

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Phil Myers | September 4, 2021

Up in Albion a legend has it that wildcats in the area defended their territory with a phenomenal ferociousness.  Aggressive and offensive when they had to be, defensive and protective of home turf when necessary.

Last night was a prime example of that at Rogers Field in Albion where the Northwestern Wildcats completely dismantled the visiting Maplewood Tigers by a score of 54-0.  Most people were not expecting to see a lopsided game one way or another considering Northwestern beat Maplewood twice last year by a total of four points.  But as Wildcat quarterback, Ryan Tewell (pronounced tool), said, “We came into this game thinking it was a statement game, and we made a statement.”

Tewell was the star on offense for Northwestern by throwing for 2 scores and rushing for 2 more.  The Wildcats lost four offensive linemen due to graduation, but the seniors who stepped in did a superb job, especially Brent Swift who played an excellent game according to his coaches.  They protected Tewell by not giving up a sack and allowing him time to find receivers.  They also opened up gaping holes for the running backs who chalked up 268 yards on the ground.

Ryan Tewell (2) and Brent Swift (50) were two keys to Northwestern’s success in beating Maplewood.

The Tigers of Maplewood held the Wildcats on the first series, but every series after that, except two, the Wildcats scored a touchdown.  Ben Campbell opened the scoring half way through the first quarter, then Tewell scored late in the opening stanza to give the home team a 14-0 lead after one.

The parade to the end zone continued in the second quarter when Lloyd Fountain snared a TD toss from Tewell early.  Tewell rushed for his second touchdown with a little over 4 minutes remaining.  The scoring persisted late into the half when an offensive lineman, Ken Jarvis, got some love and glory by falling on a teammate’s fumble in the end zone.  The score stood at 35-0 at halftime ensuring that a running clock would take effect in the second half.

That did not stop Northwestern from crossing the goal line 3 more times in the second half.  Jake Kelley hauled in a 50-yard TD pass from Tewell to make it 42-0, and Landon Wayne had a 12-yard run in the third quarter.  In the fourth quarter Ian Dick then rounded out the scoring with an 11-yard scurry.  “Our defense made plays.  I do have a lot of confidence in my team, but I did not think it would go like that,” said Tewell.

Coach Mark Brooks stated, “I respect the heck out of Maplewood’s program and coaching staff.  To come out and get a big win like that, it really means a lot.  Defensively they came out in a 5-3 and challenged us with physicality and numbers in the box.  So, we had to find a way to combat that.  We used some formation things and had some guys run hard.  That’s all you can ask of a football carrier in high school.  I will say this I am proud of our guys.”

Northwestern gained a total of 450 yards offensively, while limiting the Tigers to 117.  Tewell threw for over 160 yards, while big Gage Brockett, who also plays on the line at times, garnered 73 yards rushing on 7 carries.  David White, who only saw time in the second half, ran for 79 yards.

Gage Brockett (59) taking the handoff and getting ready to rumble.

Maplewood could not muster any consistency for the game against a rock-solid Wildcat defense.  “We worked all off season and challenged the kids to get to the ball.  I think our defensive staff is fantastic.  Coach (Jim) Brinling is our defensive coordinator.  He put in a ton of work.  It pays off with the kids.  He challenges them to understand tendencies and formations.  It’s got to be hustle and desire.”

The Northwestern band playing music from Pandora’s Box at halftime.

Even the Wildcat band put on an excellent performance.  At halftime they wowed the crowd with music from Pandora’s Box.  The Northwestern players gathered in the end zone to witness the band’s halftime show.

Northwestern (2-0) travels to Cambridge Springs next week and Maplewood (1-1) hosts Saegertown.

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