COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As droplets of rain cascaded over the sunset background, a high-reaching rainbow appeared in the first quarter only to be overshadowed by sophomore Nate Severs racing toward the endzone for a touchdown.

Big Walnut rolled over Westerville South 38-7 on Friday at home behind Severs’ 277 yards rushing, 49 yards receiving, and 4 touchdowns overall. 

The Golden Eagles (5-0) stayed undefeated with the win while Westerville South (2-2) fell to even on the year. 

Big Walnut coach Rob Page said that Severs (5’ 10’’, 203 lbs.) gives relentless effort in practice which translates to his big performances in games  

“If you watched how Nate practiced, you wouldn't be surprised by the games he has,” Page said. “he knows nothing other than full speed, every single play.”

Big Walnut’s win secured their top spot in the OCC-Capital and surely dethrones Westerville South who won the conference last year. 

Offensive lineman Aidan Hernandez said that he knew his teammates had this still in them all along and defeating Westerville South was a great accomplishment.

"I feel like we had this in us the entire season," Hernandez said. "We knew coming out against South, it would be the biggest test of our season so far, and we proved that tonight that we were the better team."

Big Walnut did not start the game strong failing to secure the ball when receiving the opening kickoff and giving the Wildcats field position at the Golden Eagles’s 29-yard-line. 

But Big Walnut persevered and intercepted the ball only three plays later. 

The Golden Eagles then capitalized on this opportunity with a 35-yard receiving touchdown by Severs. 
 

Page said that Severs was helped by the offensive line and the line's coach.

"Everything for us starts up front," Page said. "Everything starts with our offensive line coach Paul Hardin."

Severs would go into scored again in the first quarter making the score 14-0. 

The second quarter began and Westerville South started a drive at the 50-yard-line after a shanked Big Walnut punt. 

The Wildcats failed to capitalize on this and turned the ball over on downs. 

Saunders was contained by Big Walnut’s defense during the game only having two receptions the entire night.

Severs would score his third touchdown on a 64-yard glide into the endzone untouched just before the half ended.

Big Walnut would score two more touchdowns in the second half first on a reception by receiver Nicky Pentello and the second by Severs giving him his fourth of the game.

Westerville South was unable to score in the second half constantly going three-and-out against Big Walnut's competitive defense.

Next week Big Walnut will look to stay undefeated as they host Franklin Heights.

Westerville South will look to rebound next Friday night at home against their in-city rival Westerville North.

 Page said he is not thinking about his undefeated record or how far his team can go, but rather his game plan for next week's game.

"All I care about is winning next week against Franklin Heights," Page said. "We're going to approach it that way because if you believe in the process, that process can't change."