Raider trio of running backs leads Waynesburg to 30-19 win over East Allegheny
WAYNESBURG – Waynesburg Central running back trio of Troy Cree, J.D. Higgins and Scott Throckmorton combined to rush for 206 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Raiders past Interstate Conference foe East Allegheny, 30-19, at Raider Field on Friday night. “We have three really good running backs,” said Cree, who finished with 85 yards on 10 carries. “If we run the way we did tonight, we should be able to beat anyone in the conference.”
The Raiders and Wildcats both were out of playoff contention, merely playing for pride. East Allegheny came into the game having lost their first five Interstate Conference games.
Raiders improved to 3-5 overall and 2-4 in the conference. However, it was evident that both teams did not throw in the towel and give up Friday.
“It was a hard fought game,” Waynesburg Central head coach Dave Sarra said. “It was a good game. It was a good victory for the guys.”
Waynesburg was able to counter the Wildcats’ score in the first quarter by scoring 17 unanswered points by halftime. Cree’s 21-yard run highlighted the spurt that started it all.
“My dad says I have great vision,” Cree said. “My favorite runner is Barry Sanders and I have even gone out and tried to be like him.”
His touchdown reminded fans of the former Lions Hall of Fame running back with his ability to cut the ball back. Cree took a pitch to the left side and seemed to be stopped, but he was able to use his speed and cut the ball back up against the field as he found a hole to plunge threw for his score.
“Troy’s a great runner,” Sarra said. “He made some good runs up the middle in key situations for us. We were able to establish the run and move the ball.”
After two scores from Higgins, Waynesburg found itself up 23-6 at halftime. East Allegheny mounted a comeback of sorts when it was able to pull the game to 23-13 after a Chris Loving 5-yard touchdown run. His score closed out an eight play, 55-yard drive that took over nine minutes off the third quarter clock.
The Raiders, however, immediately returned the favor as Throckmorton returned the ensuing kickoff 85 yards to end all hopes of a Wildcat comeback. It was clear to Sarra that the play turned thing around for his Raiders.
“I mean that was huge, ” Sarra said. “Anytime you get a big play from your special teams, it changes the momentum of the game. Throckmorton took it all the way and it was a big momentum shift for us.”
The Wildcats were able to pull to 30-19 with under a minute to play after a James King 16-yard touchdown with 4:40 in the third quarter. East Allegheny did not get any closer as a last second Loving pass to the end zone was batted away.
“I think the kick off return was game changing,” Cree said. “We hadn’t had one yet even though we have good return men. It definitely set us up.”