Woodland Hills shocks Mars, 14-0
ADAMS TWP — Two big drives proved enough to overcome numerous penalties for Woodland Hills Friday night at the Mars Athletic Complex.
The 13th-seeded Wolverines (4-6) stunned fourth-seeded Mars (9-2), 14-0, to advance in the WPIAL Class 5A football playoffs. Mars was defeated in the opening round of postseason play for the third straight season.
“You have to string plays together and we didn't do that tonight,” Mars coach Scott Heinauer said. “Plays were out there on the field for us to make and we didn't make them.”
The visiting Wolverines put together a 76-yard scoring drive in the second quarter, capped by a 57-yard touchdown run by Anthony Meredith. Woodland Hills used 10 plays to march 57 yards for a score in the third period.
Quarterback Gavin Judson capped that drive with a 1-yard sneak with 5:31 left in the period.
Woodland Hills rushed for 290 yards on 54 carries for the night. Meredith had 17 carries for 149 yards, Will Clark 26 for 125.
“That's the second straight game both of our backs went over 100,” Wolverines coach Tim Bostard said. “We did it last week against Chartiers Valley.
“Do I like our chances when that happens? Absolutely.”
Woodland Hills won the game despite committing 13 penalties for 105 yards.
“Those mistakes, we need to correct,” Bostard said. “But from the fourth game on, we've been a different football team.
“Coming in here, we knew Mars had an outstanding offensive and defensive line. We challenged our lines to be equal to the task and they sure were.”
Mars rushed for 101 yards. Garrett Reinke was held to 58 yards on 16 carries, ending his senior season with 1,805 yards. He is fourth on the Planets' all-time career rushing list.
“Their line did a great job against us,” Heinauer said. “They held their blocks. We didn't. When you don't hold your blocks, you can't win.”
With the game scoreless late in the first quarter, Mars dodged a bullet when Mitchell Wright recovered a Wolverine fumble at the Planets' 1-yard line.
Mars had its own scoring chance thwarted earlier in the first period. On second-and-5 from the Woodland Hills 32, the Planets botched a handoff and Dajuan Howze fell on the ball for the Wolverines.
Mars had one quality scoring chance in the third quarter. On fourth-and-2 from the Woodland Hills 42, Reinke was held to a yard gain and the Planets turned the ball over on downs.
Mars' final two possessions ended in interceptions at the hands of Jeffrey Williams and Jay Smith.
The Planets were shut out for the first time since dropping a 21-0 regular season decision to Knoch in 2012.
“We know what the playoffs are about,” Heinauer said. “Your season can end suddenly. We were 9-2 and that's a great season. I'm proud of our kids.
“We'd gladly trade in those nine wins for a win tonight and a chance to play next week. But that didn't happen.”
Woodland Hills 0 7 7 0 — 14Mars 0 0 0 0 — 0Second QuarterWH — Anthony Merideth 57 run (Charles Hanchett kick), 10:48Third QuarterWH — Gavin Judson 1 run (Hanchett kick), 5:31Individual StatisticsRushing: Woodland Hills, Gavin Judson 3-18, Anthony Meredith 17-149, Will Clark 26-125, Jay Smith 3-(-6), Michael Coleman 4-18, TEAM 1-(-12). Mars, Tyler Kowalkowski 1-3, Garrett Reinke 16-58, Drew Schlegel 4-17, Teddy Ruffner 2-15, TEAM 1-0, Khori Fusco 2-8.Passing: Woodland Hills, Gavin Judson 7-11-95-1. Mars,Tyler Kowalkowski 5-16-106-2, Garrett Reinke 0-1-0-0.Receiving: Woodland Hills, Michael Coleman 2-35, Jay Smith 3-31, Michael Roman 1-5. Josh Rawlings 1-26. Mars, Drew Schlegel 3-64, Garrett Reinke 2-42
