In a game that looked early like it was going to be a shootout, turned into another dominating win for the Warriors, as West Branch defeated Girard 48-7 Friday night at Girard's Arrowhead Stadium.
West Branch received the opening kickoff and drove 80 yards to pay dirt taking an early 7-0 lead. Girard answered quickly with a 42 yard touchdown pass on its first play from scrimmage tying the game at 7. Following the score, the Warriors again drove down the field resulting in a 38 yard touchdown run by
Jeremiah Thomas and the route was on.
Led by
Jack Flickinger, the Warriors defense suffocated the Girard run game holding the potent Indian offense rushing attack to just 32 yards on 24 carries. Keeping the Indians behind the sticks all night, the Warriors forced Girard into passing situations which was difficult as a driving rain storm moved in during the second quarter. With the difficulty to throw, the Warriors unleashed an aggressive attack as they would get to the Indian quarterback three times on the night. Recording sacks were
Dom Slimon,
Garin Harlan, and Gavin Gregroy.
The Warrior special teams also got into the mix as Harlan blocked a Girard punt late in the second quarter which was pounced on in the end zone by
Lukas Black for a Warrior touchdown giving West Branch a 34-7 lead at the half.
Offensively, the Warriors racked up 280 yards on the ground including 138 from
Boston Mulinix (19 carries, 1 touchdown) and 130 from Thomas (14 carries 2 touchdowns). Harlan also added 27 yards on five carries and a touchdown.
The Warriors were effective through the air both early in the contest and late in the game when the rain slowed. Thomas finished 10-12 on the day for 136 yards and two touchdowns. Both TD passes were to
Anthony Perry who scored from 27 yards out an 35 yards.
Joey Jackson led all players with 5 catches.
Next up for West Branch will be a home game against the Chaney Cowboys. The game will be Military Night and Elementary Night. Also, pregame there will be a ceremony honoring the State Champion baseball team. Stay tuned this week for more information about all the events.
