Wayne Christian avenges Bear Grass loss with defensive shutout

Wayne Christian turned last year’s seven-point loss to Bear Grass Charter into a defensive statement, forcing six turnovers and returning two interceptions for touchdowns in a 41-0 win that gave the Eagles their first 2-0 start since 2022-23.

The Eagles led 6-0 after the first quarter, then broke the game open with 28 points in the second to take a 34-0 halftime lead. Wayne Christian added another touchdown in the third quarter and held Bear Grass Charter scoreless the rest of the way.

Wayne Christian forced three fumbles, intercepted three passes and blocked a punt in the shutout. Brantley Ellis led the defense with 10 tackles, two interceptions and a pick-six, while Urban Johnson added a 95-yard interception return for a touchdown.

“Last week the offense took the show, tonight the defense stepped up,” Wayne Christian coach Pugh said.

The Eagles also got production on offense. Jamari Hill rushed for 134 yards and a touchdown, and Wilder Phillips had 69 receiving yards and a touchdown.

The win came after Bear Grass Charter defeated Wayne Christian 19-12 last year in one of only two recorded meetings between the programs. Wayne Christian, which opened the season with a 42-7 win at APA, will host Harrells Christian Academy next.