Nile C. Kinnick retains ‘the paddle’ in Smackdown! Matchup with Zama

Photo By Paul Long | (Center) Capt. Steve Wieman, commanding officer Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, presents the “Smackdown” paddle to Fleet Activities, Yokosuka Kinnick High School’s senior quarterback Dustin Wilson (#13) as senior defensive lineman Ian O’Brien (#33) looks on, following the game between Kinnick and Zama High School, Sept 20. Kinnick defeated Zama 34–20, and 27–19 on Aug. 23, to retain the “Smackdown” paddle for the second year in a row. (Photo by Paul Long, FLEACT Yokosuka Public Affairs).  

YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JAPAN

09.20.2013

Courtesy Story

Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka

YOKOSUKA, Japan - It was business as usual for the Nile C. Kinnick Red Devils, as they beat rival school Zama Trojans 34-20 at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Japan Reid Memorial Stadium, Sep. 20. The Red Devils now stand at 5-0 for the first time since 1997. With the win, Nile C. Kinnick puts themselves in the drivers’ seat to win the school’s first DODDS Japan championship.

On a side note, the victory enables the Red Devils the opportunity to keep the ceremonial Japanese Kai (paddle) in their possession. Coin-phrased as the ‘Smackdown game’ between the two schools, the concept of the paddle was derived by former commanding officer of FLEACT Yokosuka, Capt. David A. Owen and current Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi commanding officer, Capt. Steven Wieman. Even though Zama American High School is located on Zama Army Base, the school consists of students who have parents that are active duty navy from NAF Atsugi.

“It’s always hard to beat a good football team twice in the same year,” said head coach Dan Joley. “I was really impressed with our ability to run the football today, with so many different weapons. I love the fact that these guys are getting better week by week.”

Kinnick again worked from behind the push of their starting linemen to amass a total of 414 yards, led by quarterback Dustin Wilsons’ 14 carry, 133 yard, four touchdown game, while also going 2 of 3 for 68 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown catch by wide receiver Greg Bacon, who finished with two catches for 68 yards.

“He’s phenomenal,” Joley said. “We use him in key situations when they’re (opponents) keying on Dre and Dustin and we’re able to sneak him in there.”

Paylor, the Red Devils leading rusher did not find the end zone this time but still lead all ball carriers with 163 yards on 24 carries.

“It was not my best game by any length,” said Paylor. “But my teammates were able to come up big for us, so I am really glad about that.”

Defensively, outside of a 81-yard scoring pass to Zama American wide receiver Raymond Bestor, the Red Devils held Zama to 255 yards total offense. For the third consecutive week, linebacker Tyler Shilton led all defenders with 10 tackles. Defensive End DeAnthony Evans, linebacker Kyle O’Brien and cornerback Nick Galegher each had seven tackles, respectively.

With the win, Kinnick (5-0) swept the season series from the Trojans (1-3). A win in two weeks at Robert D. Edgren will give the Red Devils their first DODDS Japan title, and they’re two wins away from capturing their first Kanto Plain title in 15 years.

Joley says that the teams focus is not on titles but more so on how to sustain focus on one game at a time. He says that the team is totally locked on to their upcoming matchup against the American School in Japan (ASIJ) Mustangs.

“They are really balanced in their attack,” said Joley. “They are similar to us in so many ways. They throw and run really well; just a very well coached team. This matchup will be their homecoming game and two weeks after that they will visit us on our homecoming, so this is going to be really interesting.”

Nile C. Kinnick will visit the Mustangs Saturday, Sept. 28 at ASIJ’s Chofu campus, Tokyo.

• Date Taken: 09.20.2013
• Date Posted: 11.01.2013 03:15
• Story ID: 116093
• Location: YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP