Licking Valley halts the run game to overcome Zanesville
By: Darayus Sethna, Joey Skitowski
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ZANESVILLE, Ohio (WOUB) — Although the Licking Valley Panthers took the trip to Sulsberger Stadium, the Panthers claimed their territory with a dominating 33-7 win over the Zanesville Blue Devils.
The Panthers improve to 4-2, extending their winning streak to three while Zanesville settles 3-3 in the season. This game marked the first conference game of the season.
The Panthers struck quickly, scoring within the first minute of the game. Quarterback Hayden Rodgers connects with Alex Phelps to break the deadlock. It didn’t take much longer for Licking Valley to extend their lead with a field goal. Within the minute of the field goal, the Panthers score yet again after a Blue Devils fumble as Hayden Rodgers finds Trent Clark for a 30-yard bomb.
Licking Valley wasn’t done there, but after a few flags in the way, the Panthers settled for a field goal from Jacob Wheeler right before the half keeping their steady lead at 20. The Panthers left Zanesville scoreless going into the half, and the frustration was very present amongst the Blue Devils’ coaching staff and team. Both teams showed tough offensive performance, but Zanesville couldn’t get past the explosive Panthers’ defense in order to score.
Coming back after the half Zanesville ball, quarterback Drew Doyle looks for his man but is in for a surprise as his pass gets intercepted by Alex Diller. The Panthers were not able to make the first down and pull through.
Shortly after Zanesville scores, their first touchdown of the night as Doyle drives it into the endzone himself for a 7-yard rush touchdown, trimming the Blue Devils’ lead to 13, 20-7.
In the final minutes of the third quarter after conceding a touchdown, the Panthers strike back as Kam Walker gets the score off a 38-yard run. The ensuing field goal is blocked, 26-7.
Towards the end of the fourth Kam Walker scores his second touchdown of the night to give the Panthers a commanding 26-point lead, 33-7 the last score of the night.
The Panthers’ enthusiasm radiated throughout the stadium, as they prepare to take on Watkins Memorial this upcoming Friday.