Beloit, OH -- Coming into last night's game was a hungry West Branch football team that has been on a tear since losing in Week One to Canfield. The Warriors once again proved why they've controlled the EBC since 2020, getting it done on both sides of the ball en route to a 62-0 shutout victory over Marlington
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1st Half
It didn't take long for West Branch to strike first, as just 33 seconds into the game, tight end Gavin Gregory caught a short pass from quarterback Grady Hirst and tightroped down the sideline for a 43-yard touchdown to put the Warriors up 7-0 after the extra point from Gavin Clemens.
Just four plays later, Hirst intercepted a tipped pass to set up great field position, then capped off the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run, making it 14-0 with 8:35 still left in the opening quarter. After another turnover, Jeremiah Thomas powered in from four yards out to extend the lead to 21-0.
Later in the quarter, following a Zach Coffee forced fumble, Damon Edwards punched in a 2-yard touchdown run — a great sight for Warrior fans as he returned after missing a few games due to injury. In the second quarter, Hirst connected with Drake Stryffeler for a 26-yard touchdown, then Gavin Marshall capped off another drive with a 2-yard rushing score to make it 49-0.
Senior linebacker Zach Coffee capped off an incredible first half by intercepting a pass and recovering a fumble, both of which set up touchdowns. With West Branch leading 49-0, both coaches agreed to a running clock midway through the second quarter.
2nd Half
Due to the running clock, not much happened in the second half as Marlington looked to stop the bleeding and get the game over with. However, Carson Wike came up with an interception to highlight a defensive unit that was dominant from start to finish. Drake Stryffeler found the end zone twice in the half, including a 53-yard touchdown run, as West Branch sealed the 62-0 victory.
Offensive highlights:
Defensive highlights:
