In a low scoring affair that Warrior fans are not accustomed to seeing, the Warriors defeated the Chaney Cowboys 20-6 on Friday night at Clinton Heacock Stadium.   

Early the game was a back and forth game highlighted by many defensive plays as neither team could find the endzone.  Chaney's best chance in the second quarter was thwarted by a Grady Close interception and West Branch's best opportunity came late the the quarter, but resulted in a missed field goal as the two teams went into half knotted at zero.

In the second half, the Warriors started to find more of a groove offensively as their defense continued to control the line of scrimmage.  Led by the running of quarterback Jeremiah Thomas and tailback Boston Mulinix, the Warriors were able to start to consistently move the ball down the field and put themselves into scoring position.  At the 2:31 mark, West Branch finally found pay dirt as Anthony Perry caught a 4 yard touchdown pass from Thomas on a fourth down play to break the 0-0 tie.  Eliza Hirst's extra point gave the Warriors a 7-0 lead.  Hirst's PAT was extra special as with it she broke the school record for career extra points previously held by Ben Tolson of 112.  Hirst's record now sits at 114.

West Branch added two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to put the game away.  With 9:11 to play, Joey Jackson caught an eight yard touchdown pass from Thomas and with 4:49 to go Mulinix iced the game with a five yard touchdown run.  Chaney was able to score late to break the shutout but it was too little too late for the Cowboys.

On the day Thomas would finish with 113 yards on the ground on 14 carries and 103 through the air with the two TD passes.  Mulinix had 94 yards rushing on 18 carries and a touchdown.  Perry led all Warrior receivers with three catches for 71 yards and the score.

Defensively, Close was the leader with two interceptions and two pass breakups.  Leading tacklers included Jack Flickinger, Cam Summers, Garin Harlan, and Clayton Day.

Before the game the Warriors celebrated the school 2024 Division II State Baseball team with a ring ceremony on the track.  West Branch also recognized all active and retired military personnel at halftime for military night.

Next up for West Branch will be a trip to Warren to take on the Howland Tigers.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM.