Westminster to Meet Florida Power

tough start of the 2011 football season continues Saturday when the Wildcats battle Florida power Baker County in Carrollton.

After a strong effort against state ranked AAA foe St. Pius last week, Westminster will play Baker County at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Florida-Georgia Gridiron Challenge, a triple header. Vanguard plays Carrollton at noon, and St. Augustine goes against North Gwinnett at 6 p.m.

Competing against strong competition early should prepare Westminster for the 6-AA region race. In the 28-21 loss to St. Pius, the Wildcats showed plenty of heart and resilience, coming back from a 21-7 first half deficit to tie the Golden Lions 21-21 before St. Pius captured the win by scoring a touchdown with 56 seconds left in the game.

St. Pius AJC Super 11 running back Geno Smith broke loose for 44 yards to key the game-winning drive, finshing with 136 yards on 12 carries and two touchdowns, according to the game's box score.

Placekicker Harrison Butker booted field goals of 51 and 45 yards, the latter giving Westminster the 21-21 tie with 1:24 left in the third quarter. Westminster sophomore Cameron Seward returned a kickoff 94 yards in the first quarter for the Wildcats' first score.

Quarterback Danny Catan led the Wildcats in rushing with 69 yards on six carries, including a 46-yard scamper. Parker Tuthill rushed for 44 yards on 11 carries. Catan also threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Grey Nottermann, who had two catches for 22 yards.

Before the season-openlng home game, a crowd of more than 2,000 gathered on the lawn alongside Fritz Orr Field for Westminster's annual Pigskin Picnic. The Wildcat faithful enjoyed barbecue and ice cream before the opening kickoff.

President Bill Clarkson welcomed friends, family, faculty and staff, and thanked the Parents Association of The Westminster Schools (PAWS) for sponsoring the event. Westminster's men's and women's a capella group sang the National Anthem, and the high school band and cheerleaders entertained.

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