New London rolls past WACO

NEW LONDON - The results were much of the same in the rematch between New London and WACO in the Class 8-Man playoffs on Friday night. After beating the Warriors 50-10 earlier this season, the Tigers did it again, knocking WACO out 52-6 to move on to the next round.

Blaise Porter and Boden Pickle were a dynamic duo in the backfield for New London, and the two sophomores combined for three first half touchdowns to put the Tigers up early. Porter had a 2-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter and a 13-yard run in the second. Pickle scored from three yards out in the second quarter, which gave New London a 19-0 lead.

WACO punched back before the end of the first half. Will Edeker found Kolton Connelly on a 6-yard touchdown pass, and the Warriors were back in it, down 19-6 at the half.

The Tigers used a trio of rushing touchdowns and one score through the air to run away with the game in the third. Pickle ran for two more touchdowns, and Porter ran for one and threw for one, hitting Caydin Wahls on a 22-yard strike. After three quarters, New London led 45-6.

The Tigers added seven more points in the fourth quarter to end the scoring. Ryan Richey ran for a 30-yard touchdown, and the extra point brought the final score to 52-6.

Porter finished the night just shy of 175 yards in total offense. He went 6-for-9 for 98 yards and a touchdown passing the ball, and also ran for 74 yards and three touchdowns. Pickle edged Porter in rushing yards, going for 75 yards and three scores.

Richey ran for 74 yards and a touchdown. Marcel Lopez ran for 66 yards. Wahls caught three passes for 54 yards and a touchdown, and also ran for 40 yards.

New London's defense was led by Wahls, who had five total tackles. Pickle finished the night with two fumble recoveries. Devon Swanson recovered one fumble, and Wahls had an interception.

Edeker went 9-for-21 for 93 yards and a touchdown throwing the ball. Simeon Reichenbach caught three passes for 65 yards to lead the Warriors. Zach Schmitz also caught three passes and finished the night with 13 yards receiving.

Colton Leichty was WACO's leader on defense, with eight total tackles. Schmitz and Braden Spain finished with 5.5 tackles apiece.

New London is now 6-1 and will host a 7-1 English Valleys team in the second round. WACO finished its season at 3-5.