Zane Trace defeats Unioto in an undefeated SVC clash
By: Vernon Eguakun
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ZANE TRACE, Ohio (WOUB) – In a matchup of the only undefeated teams in the SVC the Zane Trace Pioneers took down the Unioto Shermans 35-31.
In a matchup of the only undefeated teams in the SVC the Zane Trace Pioneers took down the Unioto Shermans 35-31.
The Pioneer’s defense started this game out strong with 2 forced fumbles and recoveries just in the 1st qtr. They were able to capitalize on this as Carter Langley ran in for a four-yard touchdown making the score 7-0. With the first two drives ending in turnovers, the Shermans needed to put a great drive together and they did. QB Newton Hoops connected with his receiver Maddox Fox on a deep ball then found Fox again for a 12-yard touchdown making the score 7-7.
Starting off the second quarter the Shermans were able to force a fumble on a kick return and recover it. They took advantage of this turnover as Running back Corbin Demint took a 15-yard carry to the end zone making the score 14-7. With two minutes left in the quarter, The Pioneers were able to use the ground game effectively with Running back Blake Phillips and Phillips found the end zone on a rushing TD making the score 14-14.
With time running out in the second Newton Hoops found his receiver Blake Hoops for a 40-yard reception. With just seconds remaining Running back Matt Griffin scored off a two-yard carry making the score 21-14 at halftime.
The Pioneers started the third quarter with a 3 and out. The Shermans on the next drive were able to put together a solid drive as Newton Hoops found his receiver, Blake Hoops, down the field for a long completion. The Pioneer’s defense stepped up on third down stopping the Shermans and forcing a field goal. Kicker River Pettigrew was able to drill a 29-yard field goal making the score 24-14. Being down 10 points it was pivotal that the Pioneers scored on their next drive.
The Pioneers used the ground game to get in the red zone. With the Sherman’s defense locked in on the run, this set up a play-action pass from Langley to his tight end Kyle Stonerock for a 10-yard touchdown making the score 24-21.
The Pioneers defense forced a quick three and out on the next drive. Gaining momentum the Pioneers on the next drive used the ground game heavily with a combination of Daniel Barnhart and Blake Philips. The Pioneers took back the lead with a 2-yard rushing touchdown from Blake Philips making the score 28-24.
With eight minutes left in the fourth quarter the Sherman’s offense was able to put an important drive together. The Shermans leaned on the ground game with Running Back Matt Griffin. Griffin found the end zone on a one-yard carry to the score 31-28.
The Pioneers put together a clutch drive in the final minutes of the game with a combination of the run game and the passing game. With one minute left Blake Philips broke a 13-yard run to the endzone giving the Pioneers the lead 35-31. The Pioneer’s defense was able to stop the Shermans and secure the win and end their winning streak.
QB Carter Langley finished the game 6-10 for 88 yards and a touchdown.
Yet again the run game helped the Pioneers get a win as they had three players with 70+ rushing yards.
Running back Blake Philips had 16 carriers for 78 yards and three touchdowns.
QB Carter Langley had 94 rushing yards and a touchdown and Running Back Daniel Barnhart had 10 carriers for 80 yards.
For the Shermans QB Newton, Hoops finished 17-23 for 216 yards and one touchdown.
Running Back Matt Griffin finished the night with 15 carriers for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
Receivers Blake Hoops and Maddox Fox had a productive night as Hoops had six receptions for 76 yards and Fox had 6 receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown.
Zane Trace (7-0, 4-0 in conference) will play Southeastern at home next Friday to try and continue their quest for a perfect season.
Unioto (6-1, 3-1 in conference) will look to bounce back next Friday as they will be home against Paint Valley.