Beloit, OH -- Over the years, there has been some epic battles between West Branch and Alliance and last night was nothing short of that. The Warriors built a commanding lead early, but the Aviators came storming back in the second half to make things interesting. In the end, the West Branch defense stood tall when it mattered most, coming up with a crucial stop to secure a 34–28 victory. More Importantly The Gary Andreani helemt stays in Beloit!

The Game | First Half
The high-octane West Branch offensive attack wasted no time getting on the board, marching right down the field on the opening drive and taking less than two minutes off the clock. Quarterback Grady Hirst capped off the drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Drake Stryffeler, who has continued to show steady improvement throughout the season. A strong defensive stand by the Warriors set up another quick score on the ensuing possession. West Branch capitalized as Grady Hirst powered his way into the end zone from one yard out. Gavin Clemens added the extra point to make it 14–0 early in the first quarter.

The Warriors' defense came up big once again, as Drake Stryffeler intercepted quarterback J.R. Jackson, giving West Branch another key turnover in the first half. The offense took advantage as Jeremiah Thomas scored on a six-yard rush. The PAT was no good after a bad snap, leaving the score at 20–0.

After throwing his second interception of the season, Hirst got revenge on a crucial third-and-1, intercepting a pass from J.R. Jackson at the West Branch 36-yard line after the ball was deflected by Gavin Gregory. He stayed with the play and came down with the catch, keeping West Branch in control and setting up their next score.

Taking advantage of the turnover, freshman Gavin Marshall made a statement with an eight-yard touchdown reception from Hirst, putting the Warriors firmly in control at 27–7.

Alliance struck late in the second quarter, scoring at the 3:48 mark to cut the lead to 28–14. With just 26 seconds left in the half, Alliance had to punt, and Jeremiah Thomas reminded everyone why the Aviators should have been wary, fielding the kick and taking it all the way for an electrifying touchdown to extend West Branch's lead heading into the break.

Second Half
The second half opened with Jarrin Blair scoring on a 10-yard touchdown pass from J.R. Jackson. Coach Goodman's team responded in a big way, putting together nearly six minutes of clock-burning offense before capping the drive with a touchdown at 6:41 remaining, bringing the score to 34–21.

Defensive coordinator Bob Altenhof came up with a second-half plan to slow down the Warriors' high-powered offense, and it worked. West Branch was held in check for much of the half, giving Alliance an opening. With 8:19 left in the fourth quarter, the Aviators struck, scoring to cut the lead to 34–28 and shifting momentum their way.

Alliance's defense then forced a stop, giving their offense a chance to take the lead. With about four minutes left, they had the ball deep in West Branch territory, but Coach Cooper's Warriors rose to the occasion. On a critical fourth-down play, West Branch's defense made a game-saving stop, preserving the 34–28 victory and extending their remarkable winning streak.

Offensive Highlights:

• QB Grady Hirst: 16-22 passing, 245 yards, 2 TD; 13 carries, 69 yards, 1 TD

• Gavin Marshall: 5 carries, 52 yards; 1 catch, 8 yards, 1 TD

• Jeremiah Thomas: 7 carries, 54 yards, 1 TD; 3 catches, 22 yards

• Grady Close: 1 catch, 66 yards

• Gavin Gregory: 4 catches, 75 yards

• Lukas Black: 1 catch, 17 yards

• Jake Weingart: 1 catch, 14 yards

  Defensive Highlights:

• Grady Hirst: 1 interception

• Drake Stryffeler: 1 interception

• Clayton Day: 9 tackles

• Zach Coffee: 7 tackles

• Lukas Black: 8 tackles
  
  What's Next: West Branch improves to 7-1 with the win. Next week, the Warriors will host Carrollton for Senior Night before the game. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.