Post Messenger Recorder -

The Belleville Wildcats took on the Elcho/White Lake Wolverines on a beautiful Thursday night. Prior to the game starting, there was a memorial held for player Eric O'Connor, who passed away in July after an accident.

"On our first offensive play we decided to play with only 10 players and leave his position unfilled. The team came in emotionally charged and ready to play to honor him and his love for the game," said Coach Chase Ritter. "From that moment on, our team dominated on both sides of the ball. We had all of our starters out half way through the second quarter. A lot of young players had the chance to showcase their talent and did a great job."

In the first quarter, Dalton Fahey caught a pass from quarterback Nate Mabis to score for the Wildcats. Cody McMillan's kick for the extra point was good.

Quarterback Nate Mabis scored two touchdowns for the Wildcats in the second quarter. Senior Dalton Fahey intercepted the ball and ran it in from 37 yards out for the third score of the second quarter. Jack Diederich ran it in from five yards out to make the score at halftime 35-0.

The third quarter was scoreless, but the Wildcats brought in sophomore quarterback Michael Bracken in the fourth, and Joshua Grebel caught a pass from Bracken to score the Wildcats' final points of the game.  After their score, Elcho/White Lake sent a player into the end zone, but their two point conversion was unsuccessful.

The final score of the game was Belleville 41, Elcho/White Lake 6.

Quarterback Nate Mabis passed for 104 yards, while Michael Bracken passed for 52 yards.

Photo courtesy of Lynda Shrader

Belleville Wildcat Team Captains honoring Captain Eric O'Connor #56 during the coin toss at Friday night's game against Elcho/White Lake.

Jack Deiderich led the team in rushing, with 85 yards. Nate Mabis had 70 yards rushing and Luke Kelly rushed for 41 yards.

Leading the Wildcats in receiving yards was Dalton Fahey, with 55 yards. Will Smith ended the game with 34 receiving yards and Joshua Grebel had 21 receiving yards.

"I couldn't have been more proud of how our players have banded together as a family," commented Coach Ritter. "I expect great things from this season."

The Wildcats will host Boscobel on Friday, August 25th. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. Before the game begins, former players, coaches, cheerleaders, managers and fans from the 40s until the present, are invited to the first ever Wildcat Football Reunion. The Reception and Meet & Greet begins at 5:00 p.m., at J&M's and then everyone can head on down to the football game at the Belleville Sports Complex at 7:00 p.m.