Joel Miller runs for three scores in 36-0 victory as the Wildcats make up for last season's opening-night loss.
By ROD GIPSON
Published August 26, 2006
TAMPA - The "R" word was never mentioned by Wharton players, but revenge certainly may have lurking in the back of their minds. A year ago, Freedom shocked Wharton with an opening-night upset that ended up being the Wildcats' lone blemish during the regular season.
Fast forward to Friday night: Wharton blasted Freedom at home 36-0 behind an outstanding defense and the running of Joel Miller.
"Our philosophy was to develop amnesia," Wharton coach David Mitchell said of last season's loss. "We didn't think about that. We just tried to execute, stay on pace and just play well."
The Wildcats won the season opener for both teams and claimed their 10th straight regular-season victory.
Within the span of eight minutes in the second quarter, Wharton scored three touchdowns, the first coming moments after a personal foul extended a Wildcats drive. After Freedom fumbled the kickoff, Wharton scored on an 8-yard pass from Joshua Powell to Roshard Green.
Freedom's biggest blunder may have come with 37 seconds left in the first half. Quarterback Andrew Carr was intercepted at the Patriots' 25 yard-line by linebacker Joshua Jones, who returned the ball to the 5. Three plays later, Miller ran in for the first of his three touchdowns.
Miller finished with 154 yards on 25 carries as Wharton rushed for 243 yards. Wharton limited Freedom to 160 yards of offense and forced three turnovers.
"We were really disappointed with this game last year," Powell said. "But we weren't thinking about that. We just wanted to come in here and play good."
