Wayne Trace 2013 Region 20 Football Championship Winners.
It was a cold day Friday so cold it could have snowed the same time the game started. November 22, 2013 two teams, neither having perfect records, came together to for the regional championship game. This would determine who is going to the Final Four. This game was supposed to be a close match for two coaches who have had stiff competition in the past.
Coach Bill Speller explaining how proud he is of the team.
Wayne Trace was the home team after last week defeating Tinora. The season has been a good one for the Raiders and maybe, just maybe, it was good for the Raiders to get their loss out of the way during season play rather than the tournament games.
The game started out with the Wayne Trace offense getting the first touchdown. It was long before both of the Showalter cousins also posted scores to the board. In fact, it was the first quarter where Ada fell. The Bulldogs didn’t get their first points until the end of the second quarter. The first half ended with Raiders in the lead 50-8.
The second half Wayne Trace didn’t push near as hard, but they also didn’t let Ada run away with it. The Bulldogs added one more touchdown while Wayne Trace put three more on the board.
The final score was 68-14 in an amazing victory for the Raiders.
Just as last week, the Raiders have never made it this far in the tournament and this is the first time Wayne Trace has ever won the Regional Championship game, and making it to the Final Four. Region 20 could have a new winner at the state level in two weeks!
WKSD announced their player of the game as Wayne Trace senior Colby Speice. Colby had an incredible nine touchdown completed on 534 passing and 72 yards rushing for a total of 606 yards as quarterback, tying a state record in Playoffs. He also had one touchdown for himself. The fans announced Colby’s Birthday as they started singing “Happy Birthday” to him from the stands. Jake Arend was announced as the Peak Performer. Defender of the game was awarded to Coach Mike Speice.
There is no doubt that this team—from defense, offense, coaching, band, fans—were all on fire on this cold night! Everything came together for a big win and the Raiders are now 12-1!
Wayne Trace (12-1) will take on the Mechanicsburg Indians (11-2) next Friday, November 29 at 7:30 pm at Wapakoneta Harmon Field.
