Wayne can’t hold lead, falls in final seconds

QB Braxton Miller rushes for 212 yards and 3 TDs, but Moeller RB Tucker Skove tallies five TDs.

Wayne quarterback Braxton Miller runs with the ball during the first half of the Warriors’ game against Moeller on Sunday, Aug. 29.

Contributed photo by Tony Tribble Wayne quarterback Braxton Miller runs with the ball during the first half of the Warriors’ game against Moeller on Sunday, Aug. 29.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Marc F. Pendleton, Staff Writer Updated 8:58 AM Tuesday, August 31, 2010

CINCINNATI — It wasn’t as if Braxton Miller was an unknown, but no one could have seen this coming.

Miller, Wayne High School’s celebrated quarterback, put on a show worthy of national TV against mighty Cincinnati Moeller in the featured and final matchup of the 12-game Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown on Sunday, Aug. 29, at St. Xavier.

And like too often in high-profile contests with Cincinnati powers, it wasn’t enough. Running back Tucker Skove scored five touchdowns, including the game-winner with just 5 seconds left as the Crusaders stung the Warriors 35-28.

Rated by scouting services as the nation’s top-ranked QB, Miller showed why by dashing for first-half scores of 75, 31 and 27 yards and rushing for 212 yards.

That all added up to the many reasons why the 6-foot-3, 200-pounder has drawn favorable comparisons to Terrelle Pryor, whom Miller will follow to Ohio State next season.

But the second half was all Moeller, which limited Wayne to 30 yards and three first downs while rallying from 21-7 and 28-14 deficits.

“That’s partly on us, too,” Wayne coach Jay Minton said.

“We can’t rely so much on Braxton Miller. We’ve got 10 other guys on the field and weapons in other places. We’ve got to distribute the ball around better.”

Miller completed just seven passes for 39 yards.

“I think we just thought we had it in the bag and came out sloppy in the second half,” Miller said.

It’s a good thing the Warriors’ offense was unstoppable early, because their defense was lacking. The Crusaders bullied the Warriors all over the field offensively, much like Miller had done to them early.

As easy as it was for Miller in the first half, Moeller ramped up its defense in the second half and shut him and Wayne down.

Still, there were plenty of offensive fireworks, much to the delight of about 10,000 appreciative fans, many of whom also saw St. Xavier fall 21-6 to Good Counsel (Md.) in the opener of the doubleheader.

Wayne lands on ESPNU again next week against Canton McKinley in the Kirk Herbstreit Varsity Football Series at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.

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