Annawan-Wethersfield’s Nic Thurston pushes through the A-Town defense into the end zone. [Photos by Kendall Vincent of the Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program at Wethersfield High School]

In an electrifying display of talent and teamwork, the A-W Titans secured a commanding 36-0 victory over the A-Town Tornadoes during Wethersfield’s much-anticipated homecoming game. 

The atmosphere was electric as alumni and fans gathered to support their team under the bright Friday night lights.

From the opening whistle, both teams were slow to start. It was not until the last three minutes of the first quarter that the Titans showcased their strength and strategy, quickly establishing control over the game. 

The Titans’ offense was relentless, with a series of powerful runs and precise passes that kept the Tornadoes on their heels. Quarterback Maddox Heitzler threw one touchdown pass, and connected with Nic Thurston on multiple rushing plays. 

Scoring wise, the Titans were dominant against the Tornadoes. A rushing play by Maddox Heitzler, followed by a successful field goal by Jonathan Torres late in the first quarter, put the first numbers up on the scoreboard allowing the Titans to lead 7-0.

Defensively, the Titans were equally impressive. They effectively shut down the Tornadoes’ attempts to gain momentum. 

Their relentless defense in the second quarter not only halted a potential scoring drive but also energized the Titans, resulting in another touchdown just moments later. 

Heitzler continued to drive into the end zone in the second quarter, and Nic Thurston connected on a passing route to gain the extra two points. 

The Titans continued to be aggressive on defense, which led to many turnovers on downs and those converted into touchdowns. 

The Titans Koeyn DeClercq takes down an A-Town ballcarrier.

In the third quarter, Thurston scored twice, one rushing and one pass play both followed by made PAT’s by Torres, leaving the score 29-0 at the end of the quarter. One final drive by Nic Thurston and a field goal by Jonathan Torres concluded the scoring for the remainder of the game. The Titans ended a commanding victory with a score of 36-0.

The homecoming festivities added an extra layer of excitement to the game. As the final whistle blew, the Titans’ victory was met with cheers and celebrations from the stands, marking a perfect homecoming night for players, coaches, and fans alike.

Coach Tony Gripp was proud of the team, and the outcome of the game. 

Trapper Forrest and fellow Titans take down an A-Town runner.

“Every win is important, but it’s extra special to win on homecoming when there’s a good crowd and people want to see a good product on the field,” he said. “This year we have been faced with a lot of adversity with injuries and sickness within the program. This has led to guys needing to learn more than one position and step up. They have accepted those challenges and gotten better every day with a positive attitude.”

With this decisive win, the AW Titans continue to build momentum as they head deeper into the season, proving that they are a formidable force in the conference. As the players celebrated on the field, the message was clear: the Titans are ready to take on the rest of the season.