***Kendall Vincent is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.
The Annawan-Wethersfield Titans football team celebrated an emphatic 56-21 win against ROWVA-Williamsfield on Senior Night, a victory that not only showcased their talent but also clinched a coveted spot in the playoffs.
The game began with a flurry of excitement as Maddox Heitzler scored an early touchdown, complemented by a successful PAT from Jonathan Torres, giving the Titans a 7-0 lead.
The Cougars responded with a touchdown, but Wyatt DeSplinter’s defensive prowess halted their two-point conversion attempt, leaving the score at 7-6.
As the first quarter wound down, Zeb Rashid ran a dazzling 39-yard touchdown, followed by another successful PAT from Torres. R-W quickly tied the game at 14-14 with a touchdown and a two-point conversion just before the quarter ended, setting the stage for a fierce competition.
The second quarter continued the high-energy exchange. Rashid scored for the Titans, and after the Cougars matched with another touchdown, the teams were tied again at 21-21.
The Titans took control late in the quarter, with Rashid scoring another touchdown and pushing the lead to 28-21 at halftime.
The Titans came out strong in the third quarter, with Nic Thurston scoring a pivotal touchdown and a successful PAT, extending their lead to 35-21. As the defense held firm, Dillon Ketelsen-Anton sacked the Cougars’ quarterback, which allowed the Titans to turnover on downs; and Maddox Heitzler added a 56-yard touchdown run, concluding the quarter with the Titans ahead 42-21.
In the fourth quarter, Heitzler found the end zone once more, and Jonathan Torres added another PAT, bringing the score to 49-21. Wyatt DeSplinter’s interception led to a touchdown run by Nic Thurston, capping the game at 56-21.
This dominant performance was crucial for the Titans as it secured their position in the playoffs. With this victory, the Titans improved their overall record to 5-3, solidifying their ranking and demonstrating their readiness for the postseason.
Head Coach Tony Gripp was glad that the team could pull out this win and secure a spot in the playoffs.
“I guess it sort of takes a little pressure off knowing that we are in, but that is the expectation of the program,” he said. “Our focus is to continue to get better every day. We are starting to get healthy for the first time since week 1 so getting those guys coming back in condition and continuing to build some depth.
“The goals for the post season are the same as every year, make a deep run.”
The win highlighted the team’s resilience and skill, with standout performances from Heitzler, Thurston, and Torres. As they prepare for the playoffs, the Titans have momentum on their side, and fans are eager to see how far this talented team can go.
