Nanih Waiya football coach James Courtney knew that Okolona was a talented team heading into last Friday’s regular season finale at home. But Okolona soon learned what everyone else in MHSAA Class 1A football clearly understands, Nanih Waiya is extremely talented as well.
The Warriors led 21-6 after one quarter and 34-6 at the half on the way to a convincing 54-6 win over the visiting Chieftains, improving NW to 10-2 on the season.
“I thought we played well,” Courtney said. “We got off to a quick start. They fumbled the kickoff and had some other turnovers and we were able to capitalize on those quickly.”
While he was pleased with the final score, Courtney got some concerning news on his team’s first possession when running back Shia Moore rolled his ankle.
“He just can’t stay healthy, with it,” Courtney said. “We believe he will be back for the next round.”
Nanih Waiya’s first-quarter points came on a 4-yard run by Devean Turner, a 1-yard run by Tylan Glass, a 35-yard run by Austin Sanders and three extra point kicks by Jake Vick.
NW stretched its lead to 34-6 at the half on a 1-yard run by Donovan Turner, and a 3-yard scoring pass from Turner to J.T. Stokes.
Nanih Waiya’s second half touchdown came on a 30-yard run by Sanders, a 61-yard run by Turner and a 34-yard pass from Tanner Courtney to Stokes.
Donovan Turner hit on 9-of-10 asses for 104 yards, while Devean Turner ran for 97 yards on six carries and Sanders had 13 carries for 167 yards.
Stokes had three catches for 53 yards, while Blake Young, Sanders, and Devean Turner had two catches each.
“We had a good night passing,” Courtney said. “We were able to spread it around to several guys.”
Next up for the Warriors is a first-round home matchup against 4-7 Coldwater in the MHSAA Class 1A State Football Playoffs.
“They are athletic and have a lot fo good track athletes,” Courtney said.
