LEAVITTSBURG—Sixth-seeded Wickliffe slowed down No. 3 LaBrae’s offense but the Blue Devils failed to score in a 21-0 loss to the Vikings in a Division V regional quarterfinal on Saturday.
“They averaged 51 points (per game),” Wickliffe coach Marce Porcello said. “That was a very good football team we just played. I thought we played well defensively. Offensively, we moved the ball a little bit but we just stalled out. We couldn’t get that score.”
LaBrae scored twice in the opening quarter and added another touchdown in the fourth.
The Vikings accumulated 391 yards of offense and held Wickliffe to just 177.
“We dressed 24 players and we start a lot of young underclassmen,” Porcello said. “These guys come in and play as hard as they can every night. I’m really proud of them. Our seniors led us all season. There are seven of them and I’m going to miss them greatly.”
Standout running back Isaac Pettway was held to just 88 rushing yards on 18 carries in his final game as a Blue Devil but in his career, he helped lead Wickliffe to three straight playoff appearances.
“Isaac Pettway is the career leading rusher in our program,” Porcello said. “I can’t say enough about that young man. He played for us for four years and this year he took on the task of playing both ways and he played special teams. I’m really proud of him. He’s a hard worker.”
Quarterback Brad Dieterich, two-way linemen Doug Byrne and wide receiver/cornerback De’Narre McRae also played key roles in leading the Blue Devils during their careers.
“Brad Dieterich is a four-year player for us. He’s done a great job leading us this season,” Porcello said. “(Dough Byrne) has done a great job being a leader and De’Narre McRae had a great season as well. I’m really proud of those guys.”
