Walton's game last Friday was a loss, but they didn't let that memory haunt them on Friday. They blew past the Wheeler Wildcats 43-21. The Raiders' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.
Walton's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Kaeden Gilstrap led the charge by throwing for 241 yards and three touchdowns while completing 73.7% of his passes. Christian Ward was in the mix too, providing Walton with two touchdowns.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the score, Walton was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 201 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since back in November of 2023.
One reason for the win was Walton's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for four sacks. In fact, those sacks all came courtesy of defensive juggernaut Jake Thorner. He is also on a roll when it comes to total tackles, as he's now made eight or more in the last 11 games he's played dating back to last season. Hudson Beard was another major factor on D, making 11 total tackles (2.0 for loss).
When it comes to explaining why Wheeler lost, don't look at Josiah Allen. Despite the final result, he rushed for 169 yards and a touchdown on only 14 carries. Allen really tore up the turf during one magnificent 70-yard run. The team also got some help courtesy of Marcus Romain, who threw for 194 yards and a touchdown on only 18 passes.
Walton now has a winning record of 3-2. As for Wheeler, they are on a seven-game losing streak (dating back to last season) that has dropped them down to 0-5.
Walton will welcome North Cobb at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. North Cobb will roll in looking for their sixth straight victory, something Walton surely won't give up without a fight. As for Wheeler, they will take on Marietta at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Both might be coming in a bit winded given these two teams combined for 813 yards in their previous games.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
