WASHINGTON COURTHOUSE, Ohio (WOUB) – The Waverly Tigers traveled to Miami Trace High School to face the Panthers in a thrilling week one matchup that saw the Tigers emerge victorious 28-23.

The game started slowly, with both teams’ defenses trading punches and punts. After three scoreless drives, Waverly’s Mason Kelly hit a long ball that found Mason Pollard on the run for a 57-yard touchdown, giving the Tigers a 7-0 lead with 5:19 left in the opening period.

A great run by Julian Baker gave Miami Trace’s Evan Colegrove the perfect opportunity to tie the game at 7-7.

On the ensuing drive, the Tigers responded with a beautiful pass from Kelly to receiver Kody Swords, giving Waverly a 14-7 lead.

Both teams exchanged punts before the Panthers tied the score, with Baker converting one from close range to tie the game at 14-14 with 2:51 left in the half.

Kelly threw his third touchdown pass of the night on the ensuing drive to give Waverly a 21-14 lead. The Panthers tried hard to tie the game before halftime, but were stopped by the Tigers’ Hez Nelson, who stunned a Panthers receiver at the six-yard line as the clock hit zero.

Waverly’s Swords ran the opening kickoff of the second half 79 yards to the goal, giving the Tigers a 28-14 lead.

The Panthers tried to fight their way back into the game, scoring a safety and a second rushing touchdown by Baker, but were unable to overcome the 14-point deficit the Tigers had built up just seconds into the second half.

Miami Trace will look to bounce back on the road against Wilmington next week, while Waverly will look to defend its home berth against Zane Trace.