Kosciusko’s comeback bid fell just short Friday as the Whippets dropped a 35-28 contest to visiting Winona.
The Whippets overcame a 21-point, second-half deficit and appeared to have one more score left in them after the defense recovered a fumble with under two minutes remaining the fourth quarter.
The drive, however, stalled with a turnover on downs.
“Last year, Winona kind of jumped up on us and we laid down a little bit,” Kosciusko head coach Kelly Causey said. “They did a similar thing year, but our kids showed a lot of heart and dedication and fought back to get within seven (points) and have a chance to possibly win the ball game. I was extremely proud of the effort they gave.”
While the Whippet defense shouldered the load in the first two games, Kosciusko’s offense found its stride on Friday. The unit erupted for 408 yards. Whippets quarterback Ethan Wood threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns, Wood threw touchdowns passes of 80, 73 and 70 yards. Two of Wood’s strikes went to receiver Antonio Harmon, while the other was caught by Jeremy Whitcomb. Just a sophomore, Causey said his young quarterback is grasping the new spread offense.
“This is new to him like it is to us,” Causey said of his quarterback. “We’re kind of getting on the same page a little bit. They were big plays.”
Harmon posted a season-best 152 yards receiving on four catches. Whitcomb finished with 78 yards receiving on three receptions. Wood was 10 of 19 and threw completions to four receivers.
Kosciusko running back Tra Toliver finished with 83 yards rushing on 11 carries. Kentaveus Washington continued his strong start to the early season. As starter Zavier Bobo Miller rehabilitates his injury, Washington has filled in admirably. He tallied 40 yards on the ground and a touchdown.
