Sports
Zane Trace Picks Up Historic Win
By: Maggie Shandrick
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Friday night, the Zane Trace Pioneers (11-0) made history, picking their first ever playoff win.
An experienced team led by 15 seniors is continued its undefeated season with a 34-0 victory over River Valley (7-4).
From the get go, the Pioneers moved the ball down the field varying their offensive play with the combination of rushing and passing. Quarterback Austin Harris pitched the ball to senior Joel Dunkle for a 15-yard touchdown run on the Pioneers opening drive.
The Raiders responded with a strong, offensive mindset but fell short at the goal line on fourth and two. That was as close as the Raiders would get all night.
Zane Trace’s defense went into beast mode in the second quarter. Trey Davis picked off Dayton Hardway’s pass and took it all the way to the house for six more points for the Pioneers. Then on the ensuing drive, Hardway’s pass was deflected at the line and Aiden Place caught it for another Zane Trace interception.
Zane Trace’s offense successfully executed a balanced attack, passing the ball around and pounding the running game. Dunkle was the Pioneers leading rusher with 61 yards and one touchdown. Harris and Truman Love also added to the their running game, combining for 93 yards on the ground. Alex Wolfe was the leading receiver with two catches for 51 yards.
River Valley’s offense struggled all night as Hardway couldn’t seem to be able to connect with any of his receivers. He found senior Kirk Morrow a few times down the field, but couldn’t capitalize on any of those opportunities.
In the River Valley’s first ever playoff appearance, the Raiders accumulated 205 total offensive yards, but three unforced turnovers were key reasons why the Raiders were unable to put any points on the scoreboard.
River Valley saw its season come to an end Friday, but Zane Trace is looking to continue its undefeated season next week in a battle against the Alexander Spartans.