Johnnies can’t overcome bad start

CHILLICOTHE — Xander Carmichael’s big play set up Wheelersburg for a trip to its second state semifinal in three seasons.

On the second play from scrimmage, Carmichael grabbed an interception on a trick play to give the topseeded Pirates early momentum in a 34-7 win over third-seeded Johnstown on Friday night in a Division V regional final.

The Pirates (13-0) advance to play Middletown Madison in a state semifinal at Chillicothe. Madison reached the final by defeating West Jefferson 42-7 in its semifinal.

Carmichael, a senior linebacker, had a hunch that a pass would be on its way. Running back Bryce Barasch took the pitch and lofted a pass on second-and-9 into the waiting arms of Carmichael as Wheelersburg took over at the Johnnies 31-yard line.

“I dropped back in coverage and Evan Dahm rushed (Barasch) and made him throw too soon,” Carmichael said. “I just ran in and caught it to get the ball for us.

“We have a good running and passing game, but we played great on defense as well. We played tough, aggressive defense, and that has helped make us successful.”

The interception set up a 5-yard touchdown run by Dominic Reyes, who finished with 94 yards on 17 carries.

Defensive back Avery Donini pounced on a fumbled exchange by Johnstown quarterback Caden Calhoun at the Wheelersburg 16 only minutes into the second quarter. It was the only threat by the Johnnies until the final quarter.

Nine plays later, Tanner Holden caught a 16-yard scoring pass from quarterback Trent Salyers for a 21-0 lead with 7:38 left in the first half.

The two also hooked up on a 10-yard touchdown pass as Salyers was 16 of 22 through the air for 245 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Holden had seven receptions for 134 yards.

“We made the plays when we had to on both sides of the ball,” Wheelersburg coach Rob Woodward said. “We would get one, two, three hats to the ball against a good running football team.”

Barasch had 126 yards rushing in 15 carries. The Johnnies (10-3) scored in the fourth quarter when Jared Orders caught an 18-yard pass from Jason Walters.

“You can’t have turnovers at this level against a team like that,” Johnstown coach Mike Carter said. “We were down, but our kids never quit. They kept playing for each other.”