WABASH – The ground game was very good to Whitko Friday night.

The Wildcats rushed for 366 yards in outscoring host Southwood 41-35 in Three Rivers Conference high school football action.

The outstanding trio of Tanner Hughes, Devin Gerding and Trace Killian made sure Whitko was going to get into the win column in week three.

Hughes led the way for Whitko with 29 carries for 126 yards, which included touchdown runs of one and three yards.

Gerding racked up 133 yards on the ground on just 10 carries for the winners. He scored on a 58-yard run and also caught an 18-yard touchdown toss from Ethan Nicodemus.

Killian added 73 yards on just eight rushes, including a 68-yard scoring jaunt.

The Wildcats, who beat Southwood 42-20 a year ago, led 14-7 after the opening period and 35-28 at halftime of the TRC opener for both teams.

Nicodemus also scored on a two-yard run for Whitko, which improves to 1-2 overall and 1-0 in the TRC.

The trio of Gerding, Cole Kessie and Connor Zwick led the defense for the winning Wildcats.

Nathan Hollars rushed for 137 yards on 13 carries with two touchdowns to lead Southwood, which drops to 1-2 overall and 0-1 in the TRC.

Whitko hosts winless Manchester in TRC action next Friday night in South Whitley.