The Wheelersburg Pirates defense dominated first half play and gave the ball to their offense 5 times in Chillicothe territory to set up a short field and 24 first half points.
The Cavalier defense really battled tough in the first half but couldn’t overcome the Pirates starting offensive drives four times inside the Chillicothe 35 yard line.
Wheelersburg used an interception on the first play of the game to set up a drive from the Cavs 19. Chillicothe was able to stiffen and only gave up a 33 yard field goal to the Burg.
The Cavs went four and out five straight times but still trailed only 3-0 with a little over 6 minutes remaining in the half. The dam finally broke for the Cavs late in the half as the Pirates scored three touchdowns in six minutes.
Lattimore scampered 33 yards, quarterback Jake Gregg found Matt Miller behind the Cavs defense for a 43 yard touchdown pass, and after a botched 4th down fake punt by the Cavs, Gregg again threw a scoring pass to Dyer.
The 24-0 Burg lead held up in the second half, and they added a third touchdown pass by senior transfer Gregg to Miller for 60 yards for the only score of the second half.
Chillicothe found some offense in the second half and drove inside the Pirates 10 twice. They were stopped short once and missed a 27 yard field goal on the second drive.
Wheelersburg managed 345 total yards including Gregg throwing 13-16 for 193 yards and three scores. The Pirates did have two turnovers on fumbles.
The Cavaliers had only 120 yards with 56 rushing and 64 passing. The home team also had two turnovers.
Hunter Thomas tallied 50 yards rushing and sophomore Mason Doughty came off the bench to throw 5-5 passing, including 4 to starting quarterback Kam Smith, who made a late move to wide receiver.
The Cavaliers (0-1) return home Friday to begin FAC play by hosting Washington Court House (0-1). The Blue Lions have a two game winning streak against the Cavs.
Listen to the WBEX podcast of the game in our link below...