Sports

Logan Earns First Win Of Season


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The Logan Chieftans squeaked out a victory over the Newark Wildcats, 32-27, in the final seconds of the fourth quarter at Logan Chieftan Stadium.

The Chieftans were forced to punt with 1:36 left in the fourth quarter, giving the Wildcats a final possession. Newark drove down to the Chieftan 33-yard line before quarterback Grant Russell was sacked as time expired. Newark was forced into burning its final timeout trying to decide whether to punt the ball or go for it late in the fourth quarter.

Logan’s ability to force turnovers was the story of the first half.

On the first play from scrimmage, Logan forced a fumble on a quarterback sack, getting the ball inside the Wildcats’ 15-yard line. The Chieftans converted that quickly into a touchdown, giving them a 6-0 lead. Logan jumped out to a quick 19-0 lead after forcing another fumble inside Newark territory.

Logan’s defensive line also stuffed the Newark running attack all night, forcing the Wildcats to play through the air. Russell completed 24 of 38 passes for 460 yards. Darius Shackleford was a strong contributor out of the backfield for Newark with 259 yards on 13 carries. Despite Russell’s dominance through the air, it wasn’t enough to get the win.

The victory brings Logan its first win on the year. Newark is still searching for its first win, as it falls to 0-3 on the season. Logan (1-2) will play at home again next week against the Loudonville Redbirds.