Youngstown, OH -- Yesterday, the stage was set for a highly anticipated matchup as the West Branch football team traveled to Historic Rayen Stadium to take on the Chaney Cowboys. There was plenty of hype surrounding the contest, but the Warriors wore Chaney down with a methodical, all-around performance on both sides of the ball, pulling away for a 27-6 victory.
First Half
West Branch wasted no time setting the tone, as Chaney's defense struggled early to contain the speed and elusiveness of Jeremiah Thomas, who created big plays in the passing game. The drive was capped off by a 27-yard touchdown run from Grady Hirst, putting the Warriors on the board first with a 7-0 lead after Gavin Clemens' extra point.
On Chaney's opening possession, the Cowboys showed some early momentum, but the drive eventually stalled. Coach Cooper's team made them pay, marching down the field on a long, methodical drive that chewed up clock and ended with Hirst's second rushing touchdown of the night from one yard out to push the lead to 14-0.
On the ensuing kickoff, kicker Gavin Clemens launched a low rocket that bounced off a Chaney player and was recovered by Clayton Day. This time the drive was quick, as the Warriors needed just over a minute to find the end zone again. Quarterback Grady Hirst capped it off with yet another rushing touchdown, completing a first-half hat trick and extending the West Branch lead.
Coach Antram's team needed a response, and they got one. Quarterback Asuante Nickel came up big, converting on two fourth-down plays to keep the drive alive. That effort eventually paid off with a 9-yard touchdown pass to receiver Todd White. However, the extra point was blocked, keeping the score at 20-6.
The first half ended with the Warriors attempting a 35-yard field goal that came up short, giving West Branch a 20-6 lead at halftime.
Second Half
Chaney received the ball to start the second half, but their opening drive stalled. Their defense made a stand, keeping West Branch from pulling away, yet the Cowboys failed to capitalize on good field position and came up short on a fourth-down attempt. They couldn't take advantage of the opportunities in front of them.
West Branch responded with another punishing drive, and Jeremiah Thomas scored his first touchdown of the game with 10:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, extending the lead to 27-6. Chaney had one last chance to get back into the game, but Grady Hirst came up big with a key interception to seal the victory for the Warriors.
Stats and Key Plays
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Grady Hirst: 18-24 passing, 191 yards; 19 carries, 113 yards, 3 TDs
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Jeremiah Thomas: 14 carries, 46 yards, 1 TD; 9 catches, 76 yards
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Clayton Day: 9 carries, 46 yards; fumble recovery
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Gavin Marshall: 6 carries, 25 yards; 2 catches, 17 yards
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Gavin Gregory: 4 catches, 76 yards
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Grady Close: 2 catches, 17 yards
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Blocked extra point: Gavin Hang
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Interception: Grady Hirst
What's Next: Varsity Football returns home next Friday at 7 PM to take on Howland.
