Unioto scrapes away a victory against Zane Trace in a battle of the defenses
By: Audrey Eary
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CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (WOUB)– This week the Zane Trace Pioneers played their rival, the Unioto Shermans, at the Sherman’s field. Both teams put up strong fights with tough defense, but the Shermans came out ahead with a final score of 27-14.
The game started out quick with Zane Trace kicking off and Unioto’s number eight, Ashton Crace, catching the ball deep in his own territory and running it down the sideline into the endzone. The extra point was good, making the score 7-0 right out of the gate. Zane Trace was able to respond just as fast, with quarterback Carter Langley scoring on their first possession, tying the game at 7 a piece.
Defense from both sides was strong, preventing either team from scoring for the rest of the half. Zane Trace’s Silas Stweart had multiple tackles, making Unioto’s offense work for every yard. Zane Trace’s defense also broke up multiple passes, forcing Unioto to run the ball, which proved to be difficult for the Shermans.
Unioto also struggled with flags, getting two to keep them from gaining much needed yards. The first half ended in a cluster with a Unioto fumble. Unfortunately, there was no time for Zane Trace to use that ball.
Zane Trace started the second half with the ball at their own 44-yard line. Unioto forced the Pioneers to punt on their opening drive. The poor punt set up Unioto at their own 49 line. The Sherman’s were able to use this momentum to break the tie. Ethan Summar ran the ball into the endzone, making the score 14-7 Unioto.
With two minutes left in the third quarter, Zane Trace was able to tie things back up. Carter Langley ran the ball three yards for his second touchdown of the night.
Starting the fourth quarter, both teams were unable to move down the field, forcing turnovers on each other back to back.
With three minutes left in the game Unioto took the lead again, with Newton Hoops passing to Caden Cutright 21 yards out, making the score 21-7 Shermans. The Pioneer’s did not give up and continued to move the ball. On third down with nine yards to go, Zane Trace’s quarterback Carter Langley made a big first down pass to Silas Stewart with two minutes to go. However, Zane Trace was not able to capitalize on the first down, making the final score 27-14 Unioto.
Next week Zane Trace will play the Southeastern Panthers at the Panthers home field. Unioto will be on the road to play Paint Valley, hungry for another win.