It took one offensive play and a lack of kicking by Kingman to give Wellington a convincing 61-12 victory Friday night to open the 2009 season.
"Honestly, I was not expecting this," said Linn Hibbs, Wellington head football coach. "I told coach (John) Gifford, who was communicating with me in the press box, that I hope this is just an indication of things to come. But I don't think it will”
Senior quarterback Drake Koerner had a record-setting evening, throwing four touchdown passes, tying a school record with five other quarterbacks. A Wellington quarterback hasn't thrown that many in a game since 1981 when Hibbs was a quarterback.
He was also 9-of-9 and threw for 168 yards.
It seemed as if it could have been more in this blowout which seemed over before the end of the first quarter. Wellington generated 328 yard in total offense.
"You have to remember we were operating on a short field," Hibbs said. "For some reason, they chose not to punt. That was their decision."
Kingman's baffling decision not to punt at one point in the game, did not bode well for the Indians. Wellington ended up getting the ball on its own 48, Kingman 21, Kingman 37, Kingman 45, Kingman 50, Kingman 24 and Kingman 20 in the first half.
Every drive ended up in touchdowns but one.
Jeremy Edwards had a heck of a game, getting three TD receptions. His twin brother Jordan had another. Jeremy's three TD receptions places him in a tie with seven other receivers for second place. Larry LeMaster holds the record with four in 1976.
"You have to give credit to the offensive line," Hibbs said. "It's a lot easier to throw bullets when you don't have a defender in your face."
Wellington kicker Michael Collins also finished with seven PATs, placing him second on the all-time PAT list.
More details will be published in the Wellington Daily News.
