Minerva, OH --The trash talk stopped real quick Friday night at Robert H. Hines Stadium. After a week of chatter from the Minerva Lions, the West Branch Warriors let their play do the talking in a statement 56-6 beatdown that sent the home crowd streaming for the exits early. Both teams entered the contest undefeated at 4-1, but only one looked like they belonged on the same field.
 

First Half
The Warriors wasted little time announcing their intentions, and after a good opening return by Drake Stryffeler, the drive was capped off by Gavin Marshall who plowed into the end zone from 8 yards out to take a 7-0 lead after a good extra point by Gavin Clemens. A short time later, Jeremiah Thomas continued to show why he's special, hauling in the throw and weaving through tackles before outrunning the secondary for a breathtaking 78-yard touchdown strike. The speedster wasn't done yet - Thomas struck again on a 63-yard touchdown reception from Grady Hirst. The defense continued to make stops, giving the offense more opportunities to score, and with 8:59 left in the second quarter, Lukas Black scored from 8 yards out, extending the lead to 28-0. Exactly three minutes later, Hirst connected with his big tight end Grady Gregory, who then turned on the jets and erupted for a 58-yard touchdown. Finally, to cap off the first half, Hirst tossed his fifth touchdown to former Lion Drake Striffeler from four yards out, giving West Branch a commanding 42-0 lead at halftime.

Second half
The big lead coming out of halftime provided a running clock in the second half. Once again, Toledo commit Gavin Gregory showed his explosiveness, turning a quick throw from Hirst into a 52-yard touchdown run. The big lead allowed West Branch to get some other players in the game and gain valuable experience. At 9:43 in the fourth quarter, backup QB Drake Stryffeler broke loose on an 86-yard keeper to the house. Minerva finally got on the scoreboard with 44 seconds left, but the extra point was no good due to a muffed snap.

Key Performers/Stats

• Grady Hirst was surgical, completing 13 of 16 passes for 342 yards and 5 touchdowns.
• Gavin Marshall powered the ground attack with 7 carries for 59 yards and 1 touchdown
• Jeremiah Thomas was electric with 5 catches for 170 yards and 2 touchdowns
• Gavin Gregory torched the secondary with 3 catches for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns
• Drake Stryffeler scored 2 touchdowns on the evening, with one receiving and and 86 yard QB keeper
• Jeremy Ramsey picked off a pass while Owen Bloss forced a fumble recovered by Grady Close. Drew Gaspar also recovered a fumble.

What's Next The Warriors improve to 5-1 with the win and return home next Friday, October 3rd for homecoming against Marlington at 7 PM, continuing their march toward the playoffs.