The West Branch Warrior football team started the season off on a high note defeating perennial Mahoning Valley power Canfield 27-7 on Friday night.  This is the third straight year the two squads have opened the season against each other with Canfield taking the first two.  This Warrior squad however, was determined to change the outcome and controlled the game from the outset to earn the hard fought 20 point victory.

Early the game was dominated by penalties as both teams struggled to find their footing in the first game of the year.  After turnovers by both teams, West Branch was able to put together a scoring drive half way through the first quarter capped by a four yard touchdown run by quarterback Jeremiah Thomas.  With Eliza Hirst's extra point the Warriors led 7-0.  Defense was the name of the game the rest of the half as neither team could find paydirt.  The Warriors Anthony Perry added a 32 yard field goal with 4:10 to go in the half to give the Warriors a 10-0 and then extended that lead to 13-0 by kicking a school record 48 yard field goal as time expired.  Perry's 48 yarder broke Bo Beagle's record of 45 yards.

In the second half, the Warriors continued to play solid defense leading to more scoring opportunities.  A 26 yard touchdown reception by Cooper Anderson from Thomas and Hirst's kick gave the Warriors a 20-0 lead with 5:30 to go in the third quarter.

After West Branch fumbled a punt, the Cardinals were able to get on the board on a 19 yard pass reception with 11:08 to go in the game.  The Warriors drove the ball past midfield but turned it over on downs, but the defense once again came up big forcing a fumble and giving West Branch prime field position to put the game away.  Boston Mulinix took the ball from three yards out into the end zone with 4:35 to play putting the game away for West Branch.  Mulinix's touchdown broke two school record previously held by Brenden Wells.  Mulnix now has 42 career rushing touchdowns and 45 total touchdowns.

The Warriors were led by Thomas who was 12-20 with for 186 yards with one touchdown and one interception through the air.  Thomas also carried the ball 12 times for 50 yards and a score and caught one pass.  Joey Jackson caught four balls for 49 yards and Perry added three receptions for 30 yards.  On the ground Mulinix carried the ball 15 times for 70 yards and a score.

Defensively the Warriors recovered three fumbles and had an interception.  Garin Harlan, Dom Slimon, and Lukas Black each jumped on Canfield miscues.  Carson Graham had a first quarter interception.  Black and Jack Flickinger led the team with eight tackle each.  Clayton Day had six tackles and Graham six.

Next up for the Warriors will be a home contest with Woodridge.  Kickoff is schedule for 7 PM.