Canfield, OH -- The West Branch Warriors opened their 2025 season with a familiar Week 1 matchup at Canfield, a tradition that began in 2022. Last fall, the Warriors rolled to a 27-7 win, but this year the Cardinals flipped the script. Two kickoff returns for touchdowns proved to be pivotal moments, helping Canfield edge West Branch 26-21.
West Branch's defense set the tone early, flying around and making plays. With 5:29 left in the first quarter, the Warriors struck first on a trick play as Jeremiah Thomas found Gavin Gregory wide open in the back of the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown. Gavin Clemens drilled the extra point to give West Branch a 7-0 lead.
Late in the quarter, Canfield began to find its offensive rhythm. A sustained drive was capped off by a 7-yard rushing score from Donnie Ferko, but the extra point attempt was blocked, allowing the Warriors to hold on to a 7-6 advantage after one.
West Branch struck again early in the second quarter as Jeremiah Thomas pulled in a 6-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Grady Hirst. Thomas then converted the two-point attempt on the ground, pushing the Warrior lead to 15-6.
Canfield answered immediately. On the ensuing kickoff, Sami Hout broke free for a 94-yard return touchdown to trim the margin to 15-13. After a stalled West Branch drive, the Cardinals capitalized late in the half with a scoring drive of their own to carry a 20-15 advantage into the locker room.
The Warriors responded quickly out of halftime. Just minutes into the third quarter, Hirst connected with Gavin Gregory, who turned upfield and raced 51 yards for the go-ahead score. Canfield answered once again, however, as the Cardinals returned another kickoff for a touchdown with 6:47 remaining in the third to retake the lead, one they would not surrender.
West Branch had a golden opportunity late, driving to the Canfield 2-yard line, but a holding penalty pushed the Warriors back. On fourth down, Hirst's fade to the back of the end zone slipped through the hands of Gregory, keeping the Cardinals in front. The Warriors forced one last possession, but their final drive stalled as Hirst was stopped short on fourth down, sealing a 26-21 victory for Canfield.
West Branch Individual Leaders
