Zach Weatherford never dreamed he would have made the mostimportant play in Northmont’s recovery this football season.

A heroic touchdown? Better than that. A game-saving tackle? Not even close.

Weatherford ran through the back of the end zone after fielding a wayward punt snap that gave Wayne some catch-up fourth-quarter points in their regular-season finale on Friday night.

That wacky play was just part of the zaniness in Northmont’s 14-11 victory.

“The seniors went out big with this,” Weatherford said. “I love them. This means so much for this program.”

Here’s why: The upset clinched a share of the Greater Western Ohio Conference Central Division title for the Thunderbolts, their second since moving over from the North Division in 2008. They tied Beavercreek, an 11-0 winner over Fairmont, for the Central title, both at 4-1.

It was an emotional win for Northmont, which underwent a reboot of its program last offseason, according to coach Lance Schneider. Their season will not include the playoffs, but this is the next best thing.

“The train was derailed off the track last year,” said a jubilant Schneider as the T-Bolts celebrated on the rain-drenched field long after Wayne had retreated.

“The seniors did a great job of leading us through it. They deserve it and I’m glad they get to celebrate this.”

Wayne, also 7-3, is somewhat consoled by a Week 11 playoff date next Saturday night. The Warriors will learn their opponent on Sunday, likely a first or second seed. The loss also cost Wayne a shot at hosting a first-round game.

Wayne coach Jay Minton perfectly summed up the Warriors’ quest to regroup.

“This is either going to refine us or define us,” he said. “Hopefully, we get a fire lit under our butts.”

The first half was an extended exercise in futility. The teams combined for nine punts and a half-dozen three-and-outs. They didn’t come close to scoring.

Northmont struck first when Blake Harper blocked a punt and Kyle Webster recovered in the end zone for a third-quarter score. But Kenny Bester’s short run tied it at 7-all for Wayne.

Jalen Christian raced 13 untouched yards on the ensuing drive to put Northmont back up. Then the nuttiness kicked in.

Weatherford’s play prevented Wayne from possibly recovering and scoring a touchdown. The next time Northmont punted, Weatherford was shifted to long snapper. Incredibly, he sailed the snap over Drake Thompson’s head. Thompson booted the fall through the end zone for yet another Wayne safety with 3:26 left that pulled the Warriors within the final margin.

Those special teams meltdowns were forgotten once the clock read 0:00.

“It’s bittersweet,” said a relieved Schneider. “You don’t get to go to the playoffs, but you end on a high note.”