Gibson leads SMCC to 40-6 win in opener

SANDUSKY — Bryan Gibson is really an elder statesman for St. Mary Central Catholic. The Panthers have just three seniors and Gibson is one of seven juniors for SMCC. In their season opener Saturday night, Gibson set the tone early for the Panthers on the ground, leading SMCC to a convincing 40-6 win over Fremont St. Joseph in 8-man action at Strobel Field. "We've been putting in so much work in the weight room this offseason," Gibson said. "Everybody has bought in. Our line, they just live to be in the trenches. They're dogs in there. Having a great line and being able to run behind those boys was a great opportunity." Gibson compiled 14 carries for 159 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. The Panthers (1-0) led 33-0 at the break and cruised to the one-sided win in the second half. "It's definitely a nice way to open the season," Gibson said. "Super nervous coming in, but if you're nervous, you're ready. I'm just glad we could get the win tonight." Gibson got the party started early. He picked up nine yards, and after a nine-yard carry by Grant Swain for a first down, Gibson exploded through the line for what became a 47-yard touchdown. Matteo Di Rosa added the extra point as SMCC went up 7-0 just over 90 seconds in. Later, a fumble by the Crimson Streaks (0-1) set up SMCC. Gibson went for 12 yards and a first down on the first play. Later, Cayden Wikel picked up 12 yards on the ground. A few plays later, Josh Will went around the end for a 23-yard score. That put SMCC ahead 13-0 with 4:36 to go in the first quarter. "Watching them on film, I just thought we were faster and a little quicker than they were," SMCC coach Toby Hammond said. "We really tried stressing getting the ball on the perimeter early. I think we wore them down." Reid Wikel recovered an SJCC fumble and on the next drive it was Gibson recovering the Streaks' second fumble. That set up a short field and SMCC took advantage. Swain found Reid Wikel for 25 yards and once inside the red zone, Gibson rumbled in from three yards out for the TD. Di Rosa made it 20-0 with 53 seconds left in the opening quarter. The Panthers' defense also had a strong showing. The Streaks didn't pick up a first down in the first quarter and managed just six total yards. SJCC went three-and-out on its next drive and St. Mary kept coming. After three big runs by Gibson, Cayden Wikel hauled in a 26-yard touchdown pass from Swain to extend the lead to 26-0. After another punt by St. Joseph, Swain hit Reid Wikel for 43 yards. With a fresh set of downs, Swain covered the final 39 yards up through the middle. "It was really hard to prepare for them because the film we got in exchange was terrible," Hammond said. "We stressed to the kids all week that we didn't know what we were going to see. I think after a series or two, I think we really played well defensively." SJCC tallied just one first down and 34 yards of offense in the first half. Comparatively, SMCC racked up 363 yards. Brayden Gill, Reid Wikel and Daniel Alicea are the lone seniors for the Panthers. "One is hurt (Alicea), so it's really only two," Hammond said. "This senior and junior class have been playing for three or four years now and that really helps. They have to be leaders for us, both on and off the field." With a running clock in effect in the second half, possessions were limited. The Panthers were able to get another good chunk of kids in for a couple looks on the varsity field. Freshman quarterback Cullen Dillard scampered 28 yards for a touchdown before Di Rosa made it 40-0. "The good thing was we got all of our young kids in," Hammond said. "They've been working hard since August 1. It's just a good way to start the season." Gibson finished with 15 carries for 168 yards. Swain was 4-of-6 for 102 yards while rushing five times for 55 yards. Will ran six times for 47 yards and Reid Wikel had two receptions for 68 yards. SJCC got its lone score on the final offensive play of the game when Zach Ohms scored on a 3-yard run. "We'll watch film and see what we need to work on and what we need to improve on and then get to work on Sebring," Hammond said. "It's a short week for us after playing Saturday and coming back next Friday. That's a short week for us. You want your kids off on Labor Day, but you still have to practice." SJCC 0 0 0 6 -- 6SMCC 20 13 7 0 -- 40SMCC - Bryan Gibson 47 run (Matteo Di Rosa kick)SMCC - Josh Will 23 run (kick failed)SMCC - Gibson 3 run (Di Rosa kick)SMCC - Cayden Wikel 26 pass from Grant Swain (kick failed)SMCC - Swain 39 run (Di Rosa kick)SMCC - Cullen Dillard 28 run (Di Rosa kick)SJCC - Zach Ohms 3 run (kick failed)