By James Champlin

Sun Sports Correspondent

BINGHAMTON – In a Section Four, Class D semifinal at Binghamton's Alumni Stadium on Saturday, the Walton Warriors used a methodical ground game to outrush the Bainbridge-Guilford Bobcats, 28-18.

Junior Warriors back Mike Beers toted the ball 32 times for 218 yards and injured back mate Nick Shiels provided an emotional lift late in the third quarter, scoring on a 6-yard scamper. The Warriors outgained the Bobcats on the ground 379 to 191 yards to run their way to a matchup versus Tioga in next Saturday's sectional final. 

Walton opened the scoring on the game’s first possession, marching 86 yards in 13 plays.  Beers, Trevor Spencer, and Robert Albro alternated carries as the Warriors' trademark precision running attack was flawless. Beers capped the drive with a 1-yard plunge that  had Walton leading 6-0 after the failed two-point conversion attempt. 

B-G's initial possession ended in an interception, but Walton quickly returned the favor on the ensuing play as Spencer fumbled after a hard hit by Bobcat linebacker Billy Holden at the Walton 39.  Facing third-and-18 three plays later, Corbin Palmer, the Bobcats’ junior quarterback, lofted a jump ball to receiver Trevor Quimet, who outjumped the coverage for a first down completion at the Walton 28.  On the next play, tight end Austin Bauerle got a free release from the line of scrimmage and Palmer hit him in stride for the tying touchdown making it 6-6. A missed point-after kick was missed leaving the game tied.

In a theme that would repeat itself throughout the game, Walton responded immediately.  Spencer's 28-yard kickoff return set up Walton in B-G territory. Beers' 27-yard carry ended the first quarter and on the second play of the following quarter Warrior quarterback Dalton Kaminsky bulled over the endline for the go ahead touchdown.  Again, the run for two point was stuffed by the Bobcats and Walton led 12-6 at the 11:21 mark of the second quarter.

A promising drive that took B-G from its own 20 to midfield was spoiled by Palmer's second interception of the half, this one intended for 6-foot-5 senior wideout Ryan Porter.  Walton quickly resumed its pattern of Beers, Spencer, and Albro using exclusively a double tight end, wing T formation.  However, the Bobcats defense stiffened after three consecutive Walton first downs, forcing a punt. "We knew after Walton beat us earlier in the season that being more physical at the line of attack was a must today,” said B-G head coach Tim Mattingly, “and we certainly improved in that regard.”

The first half was a contrast in philosophies: Walton abstained from any aerial attempts rushing 29 times for 169 yards.  Meanwhile, Palmer connected with four different receivers throwing for 73 yards on 7-of-11 passing, but the Bobcats could only muster 29 rushing yards on 12 carries. 

Best-selling author Stephen King couldn't have written a more chilling opening to B-G's first possession to start the second half. Walton's kickoff settled – or rather died – at the Bobcats’ 10-yard line; nearly recovered by the orange and black coverage team.  A penalty and five-yard loss quickly ensued, the latter nearly ending in a safety.  The grim beginning was about to change, however, thanks to the deceptive athleticism of Bobcats fullback Holden.  On third-and-19 from the 1-yard line, the 215 pound Holden angled off tackle, ran past a stunned Walton cornerback, and outraced the field for a game-tying 99-yard touchdown. The PAT was again unsuccessful, but B-G was back in the game.

The two teams then traded possessions and at the 4:53 mark of the third stanza, Porter's picturesque punt dribbled out of bounds at the Walton six. Nine plays later Walton had regained the lead, thanks in great part to the first appearance of Walton senior scat-back Nick Shiels.  Held out of the first half due to a reported injury, Shiels capped the drive with a 6-yard jaunt and ensuing run for the successful PAT.  Walton, again exclusively on the ground, had answered the bell and led 20-12 as the third quarter came to an end.

But the Bobcats were not on the turf this day to play patsy to anyone, even the number one ranked Class D team in the state. "We are a very good football team,” Mattingly said. “I won't rank us as one of the best ever at Bainbridge-Guilford, but when the only team you lose to all year is Walton, that's pretty much says it all.”

Indeed.

Following a Jake Mazzarella sprint for 24 yards, catching Walton in a run blitz, Palmer connected with Bauerle for 20 yards on a sprint roll-out pass.  Holden capped the inspirational drive with a 15-yard dash to the corner pylon. With 10:47 left in the game, B-G had answered, but still trailed by two, 20-18.

B-G's kickoff again trapped the Warriors deep in their own territory.  On third and two from Walton's 22, the Bobcat defense stiffened, forcing a Warriors punt.  Porter then tipped the kick and B-G was in business from the Walton 39 yard line. The pendulum had not only swung in B-G's favor, it was swinging wildly as the Bobcats fan base stomped and applauded from the far side.  However, on the second play of the drive, the snap between center and quarterback fell ominously to the turf and Walton recovered.  The Bobcats defense was now called upon to play the hero. 

Beers narrowly converted a third-and-three to extend the drive, and consecutive 20-yard gains by Beers and Spencer, the latter hitting paydirt, clinched the contest.

The Bobcats stalled on their final possession as Walton graciously ran out the clock. The season was over for the state-ranked Bobcats, but the conversation as to where they belong in the list of greatest teams in school history had just begun.

Score by quarters

B-G 6 0 6 6–18

Wal. 6 6 8 8–28

Scoring Summary

First quarter

W: Mike Beers 1 run (run failed), 6:30