Salem, OH -- Last night, the West Branch varsity football team had the chance to capture its sixth straight EBC championship while keeping hold of the Totem Bell rivalry trophy in a matchup against its biggest rival, the Salem Quakers. With a 27-14 victory, the Warriors secured both the conference title and the Totem Bell, closing out the regular season with a 9-1 record.

First Half
Salem started with the football and picked up an early first down, but their drive stalled on a fake punt that the Warriors quickly sniffed out. West Branch took full advantage, and with 8:40 remaining in the first quarter, Jeremiah Thomas capped the drive with a three-yard touchdown run. Gavin Clemens added the extra point.

Later in the first quarter, the Warriors extended their lead when Gavin Marshall caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Grady Hirst.

In the second quarter, Salem put together a long, methodical drive led by quarterback Cletis Monroy, who carried the team down the field into the end zone. The extra point was no good, making the halftime score 14-6.

Second Half
Coming out of the half, Grady Hirst led the offense down the field, and Jeremiah Thomas scored his second touchdown of the game. The extra point was good, giving West Branch a 21-6 lead. At that point, it looked like the game could get out of hand, but Salem locked in, and once again it was Monroy who punched it in to bring the score to 21-13.

That's when Coach Copper's team responded. On fourth-and-one deep in their own territory, Thomas barely converted the first down to keep the drive alive. With 7:52 remaining, Jake Weingart hauled in a 41-yard touchdown pass from Hirst. After a missed extra point by Clemens, West Branch led 27-13.

The defense stepped up in the final minutes to help secure the big rivalry win and cap off the conference championship.

Offensive Highlights

• Grady Hirst: 13-19 passing, 164 yards; 16 carries, 98 yards rushing

• Jeremiah Thomas: 6 catches, 54 yards; 14 carries, 46 yards rushing, 2 touchdowns

• Gavin Marshall: 2 receptions, 19 yards, 1 touchdown

• Jake Weingart: 1 reception, 41 yards, 1 touchdown

The defensive line stepped up big time with standout performances from Tyler Sprowl, Zach Coffee, Gavin Gregory, and Gavin Hang.

What's Next: West Branch has now captured its sixth straight outright EBC championship and secured the Totem Bell for six consecutive years. The Warriors earned the No. 4 seed in the OHSAA Division IV, Region 13 bracket and will receive a first-round bye. West Branch will play at home on Friday, November 7, against the winner of No. 5 Norton or No. 12 Ashtabula Edgewood.