Unioto Tanks prevail in battle against Westfall
By: Mia Sammons
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CHILLICOCHE, Ohio (WOUB) –The Unioto Sherman Tanks and the Westfall Mustangs came into this game both 2-1. The Shermans suffered their first lost last week against Waverly, and they were looking to bounce back this week.
Westfall had an offensive showcase against Circleville and were looking to extend their win streak on the road.
Westfall showed they were able to attack through the air, but it wasn’t enough to win the game. Unioto took home the victory 48-26.
Early in the first quarter Westfall showed a balanced attack between running and throwing the ball. The Mustangs wide receiver Cade Hall had the first touchdown of the night. The Tanks responded quickly with a 20-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Newton Hoops to Caden Cutright.
The play shifted back and forth all quarter, however Westfall ended the quarter on a high note as Bryce Wickline connected a 32-yard touchdown pass to Trent Walters. Quarter one ended 12-6 Mustangs.
The second quarter got off to a slow start for both teams, but it seemed like the Mustangs were going to extend their lead after a botched snap by Unioto’s offense. Caden Cutright had a 85-yard pick six which put Unioto in the lead, 14-12.
Cutright had an impressive performance with three touchdowns on the night, two coming on offense. Cutright struck again before the half ended with a 32-yard touchdown catch from Newton Hoops to extend their lead, 21-12.
Unioto school history was made in the third quarter, as quarterback Newton Hoops set the all-time passing yard record.
Coach Matt Hoops comments on Newton Hoops performance, “I’m proud of him, no one works harder than he does.”
Despite the history, the Mustangs weren’t out of the contest yet. Wickline found Trent Walters who took it into the endzone. The two-point conversion was good to Jaden Towler, as Westfall cut down Unioto’s lead 21-20.
In the fourth quarter Unioto established dominance on the ground. The tanks started off the fourth quarter strong when Connor Dollison breaks to the outside and left the Mustangs in the dust for a 28-yard touchdown run.
Westfall tried to respond to the offensive attack by Unioto, but their drive would fall short in the red zone due to an interception. It was the third interception of the night for the Shermans who had Westfall locked down in the secondary.
Unioto pulled out a 22-point lead over Westfall, beating them 48-26 and upgrading to 3-1 on the season.
Looking ahead, Unioto will travel to Huntington to face the Huntsman. On the other hand, Westfall is looking to rebound against Paint Valley in Bearcat territory.