Chris Kop (25) on the carry vs. Scott City.

by James Jordan, Sumner Newscow — It was a rough homecoming for the Wellington football team Friday as the Crusaders fell to the Scott City Beavers 41-0.

More often than not Scott City started on the Wellington side of the field and scoring on four of five first half possessions to take a 27-0 lead at intermission. Wellington only got past the 50 yard line once and that was late in the fourth quarter.

The Crusaders drove to the Scott City 24 on its last possession before a holding penalty and three incomplete passes ended the drive. It was the only time Wellington crossed midfield the entire game.

Wellington coach Zane Agular said his team “needs to do some soul searching,” after the game. Wellington has now been outscored in two ball games 93-0, and 140-7 in three games.

“We knew they would be tough and they lived up to that. Up front we just have to get better and be able to adjust. We have got to move the ball better,” he said.

At halftime, Wellington had just 17 yards. Wellington had five possessions, and only one of them had a first down. Scott City rolled up 181 yards of offense in the first half, 99 rushing and 82 passing.

Scott City quarterback Bo Hess was 7-8 passing in the first half, going to three different receivers. The Beavers also used five different rushers in the first half, moving the ball consistently but never breaking a long play.

To start the third Wellington’s defense stopped Scott City and forced a punt after three plays. The Crusaders could not move the ball, and Scott City got it back at midfield. The Beavers then drove to the Wellington 3 before fumbling and the Crusaders recovered. But again Wellington was unable to move the ball and had to punt.

Scott City then put together a drive and scored late in the third. Wellington returned the ensuing kickoff to midfield but fumbled, and the Beavers recovered. That set up a touchdown early in the fourth to make the final score.

The Beavers had another drive late in the final quarter that stalled on the Wellington 30.

The Crusaders got the ball with 4:15 left and put together their first good drive of the night, and crossed midfield for the first time.

Colton Glover and Chris Kop got some running room and carried the ball together to the Scott City 24. A holding penalty then pushed them back, creating a second and 17 situation, and the Crusaders were not able to recover.

Glover finished with 40 yards rushing and Kop finished with 34.

Coach Aguilar praised the play of Glover, saying “he played his tail off.”

The Crusaders were without their normal quarterback and sophomore Michael Ledbetter got his first start.

Aguilar said it was hard to come in as a sophomore and start at quarterback.

“He is going to be a good football player for us. For the most part he played well,” he said.

For Scott City Jarrett Jurgens had three touchdowns, Wyatt Hayes had two and Kevin Aguilera had one, all on short runs.

Wellington plays Winfield next Friday.

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