Annawan-Wethersfield’s Devon Horrie runs past a host of Stark County defenders en route to a big gain in Saturday’s game. [Photo by Jace Nichols of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program at Wethersfield High School]

***Jayden Magnussen is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.

On Saturday afternoon, the Annawan-Wethersfield Titans defeated the Stark County Rebels in the first round of the playoffs. 

The game started slowly for both teams, but in the end, the Titans were able to get the momentum they needed to win over the Rebels, 31-8, and advance to the second round against Deer Creek-Mackinaw. 

In the first quarter, both teams went back and forth with the ball, switching back from offense to defense very often. After a hard fight from both teams, the scoreboard remained 0-0 going into the second quarter. 

This quarter started with a field goal from the Titans to give them the lead 3-0 over the Rebels. 

In this quarter, Stark County had a sharp defense, barely letting the ball run through; however, the Titans reflected that same energy. 

Halfway through the second quarter, Titan Danny Heston managed to break through their defense and score a remarkable 88-yard punt return touchdown to finalize the 10-0 score to end  the first half of the game.

In the second half, we start to see a lot more action on the offensive side from Annawan-Wethersfield. By the end of the third quarter, the score had now become 24-0 with the help of two additional touchdowns from Devon Horrie. 

Finally, in the fourth quarter, with a lot of great plays and effort from both sides, the A-W Titans managed to pull it all together and win with a final score of 31-8, and will advance to the second round of playoffs.