Sports
Zane Trace Shuts Out Westfall
By: Anthony Marino
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Coach Don Kunz Jr. has put emphasis on his Zane Trace Pioneer defense this whole year and they came out strong once again against the Westfall Mustangs, handing them the 30-0 loss. The Zane Trace offense fed off its defense. Consistent stops and turnovers gave the combination of quarterback Ty Shanton and running back Etheridge Games momentum to keep pressure on Westfall’s defense.
With 4:41 remaining in the first quarter Shanton connected with Drew Rittenhouse for a 40-yard gain putting the Pioneers on Westfall’s two-yard line. Shanton finished the drive off with help of his linemen who pushed him over the goal line for a 7-0 score. This would be one of many scoring drive for Zane Trace in the first half.
Westfall did gain some momentum with a third down conversion in Zane Trace territory, but the defensive line of the Pioneers would stop its momentum. Back-to-back sacks made it fourth-and-19, Westfall was forced to punt.
Shanton used his craftiness on Zane Trace’s next possession to scramble for a 62-yard gain setting up them up for an easy punch in making it 13-0.
Shanton had himself a game finishing with 85 yards on 9-16 passing. He was Zane Trace’s leading rusher, collecting 135 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns.
With Westfall down two scores early they looked to answer back, but ended up fumbling on fourth-and-two giving the ball to Zane Trace on its 47-yard line. The Pioneers were able to get into the redzone but end up settling for a Christian Fetters field goal making it 16-0 Zane Trace.
Coach Kunz before the game talked about how the defensive line would need to able to contain Zach Gibson and they did just that, forcing Gibson to throw three interceptions. Constant pressure made Gibson feel unconformable and Zane Trace was able to contain him when he fled the pocket.
On Zane Trace’s final scoring possession of the first half the offensive line opened up holes for running back Games who led the Pioneers down the field. Games did not play in the second half due to a minor injury. He would finish with 61 yards on 11 carries. Kieran Place capped off the drive with a touchdown run with 1:03 left in first half, 23-0 in favor of Zane Trace.
The Mustangs were unable to find the end zone in both the first and second half as Zane Trace picked up its second shutout of the season, 30-0.
Zane Trace improves to 3-1 on the season and 1-0 in conference play. They travel to Unioto (3-1) next Friday night as they try to stay undefeated in conference play. As for Westfall falls to (1-3) and hostess Adena (1-3) at home Friday night.