by Tanner Ford, wellington.cc

Crusaders take care of business on the road, defeating Clearwater 21-14. 

The Wellington Crusaders traveled to Clearwater for game two of their three-game road stretch to begin the season. It was a total team effort as the Crusaders defeated the Clearwater Indians 21-14. 

Clearwater struck quickly, scoring on a 16-yard touchdown pass in the first two minutes of the game, but the Crusaders answered back with a 21-yard pass of their own from Dusty Bannister to Carter Burnett to tie the game at 7-7. In the second quarter, Bannister found Grady Norris for a 54-yard touchdown to take the lead, and Clearwater would score to close out the half to tie the score at 14-14. 

Scoring opportunities came at a premium in the second half. In the third quarter, Bannister would connect with Milo Elder for the third touchdown pass of the night, which would be good enough to seal the victory. 

Great job to the defense for shutting Clearwater out in the second half and completely dominating the rushing attack the entire game. The Clearwater offense accumulated -28 rushing yards! Dusty Bannister had a great night with 229 passing yards and three touchdowns, with Grady Norris being the main beneficiary with 93 yards and a score. Nick Giefer and Jalik Armstrong kept the ball moving on the ground with 152 of Wellington’s 196 rushing yards. 

Next up for the Crusaders is the Spartans at Wichita Collegiate this Friday where the Dukes will look to start the season 2-1 before their home opener on September 23 at Sellers Park. 

Game Stats:

Passing:

#12 Dusty Bannister 17/29, 226 yds, 3 TD’s

Rushing: 

#12 Dusty Bannister 9 carries, 29 yds

#25 Nick Giefer 17 carries, 117 yds

#1 Kenny Redford 5 carries, 8 yds

#4 Jalik Armstrong 8 rushes, 35 yds

#20 Riley Nichols 1 rush, 0 yds

#10 Sky Branam 1 rush, 7 yds

Receiving:

#21 Jagger Norris 3 receptions, 7 yds

#23 Grady Norris 5 receptions, 93 yds, TD

#8 Carter Burnett 4 receptions, 40 yds, TD

#22 Axl Norris 1 reception, 11 yds

#25 Nick Giefer 1 reception, 42 yds

#32 Milo Elder 1 reception, 16 yds, TD

#5 Brody Weir 1 reception, 8 yds

#2 Chance Thomas 1 reception, 9 yds

Defense/Turnovers: 

#84 Maddox Black 1 fumble recovery

Punting:

#12 Dusty Bannister 3/49 yds

FGs/PATS:

#32 Milo Elder 3/3 PAT’s

Punt Returns:

#10 Sky Branam 2/24 yds

Kick Returns:

#84 Maddox Black 2/41 yds

#7 Nolan Russell 1/6 yds

VARSITY FOOTBALL @ CLEARWATER 090823

wellington.cc Photos

VARSITY FOOTBALL @ CLEARWATER 090823 (Yearbook)

Photos by Katelyn Kessler & Alara Wilson/WHS Crusader Yearbook