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Preseason football: Wharton 35, Riverview 9

 
Published Aug. 25, 2012

RIVERVIEW — A well-rounded running game led Wharton past Riverview 35-9 Friday night. The first half was a battle of the ground games, with the teams combining for only three pass attempts until the final two minutes of the second quarter.

Wharton running back Jeff Keil had four carries totaling 27 yards before finding the end zone for the opening score. The Sharks' Lasander Washington hurdled a defender in the backfield on the following possession and found a seam for a 34-yard sprint. With 35 seconds in the half, Riverview turned the ball over on downs.

Wildcats quarterback DeMarcus Loya missed his receivers on four consecutive throws but, with the help of a pass interference call, got one more chance before the half ended. He connected with Keil for a 43-yard touchdown to end the half.

Wharton continued the relentless running assault to open the third quarter but fumbled when entering the red zone. On the next play the Sharks' Kimo Vareen powered through the line for an 80-yard score. Wharton was quick to answer as Vernon Hargreaves returned the ensuing kickoff to the Sharks' 15 and two plays later punched it in for the score.

Bobby Winsler, Times correspondent