AVIATORS FLY PAST SALEM
* CONTRIBUTED BY JARROD NIEDERHISER
ALLIANCE, OH – The night was electric in Alliance as the Aviators clashed with the Salem Quakers in a highly anticipated football showdown. The Aviators were coming off a string of impressive victories, and the crowd was buzzing with excitement. Little did they know that this game would become an unforgettable chapter in the history of Alliance football.
The game kicked off with Alliance receiving the ball, and it didn’t take long for them to make their mark. Just 19 seconds into the game, Brendan Zurbrugg, the Aviators’ star quarterback, took the snap, dropped back, and then burst through a gap in the Salem defense. With incredible speed and agility, he sprinted down the field, leaving defenders in his wake. A 91-yard touchdown run set the tone for the game, and with Brendan’s successful extra point kick, Alliance took an early 7-0 lead.
The Aviators’ momentum continued to build as they dominated the first quarter. At the 7:18 mark, Brendan Zurbrugg struck again, this time with a 10-yard rushing touchdown. His extra point kick was on target, and Alliance extended their lead to 14-0.
Salem found themselves struggling to contain the Aviators’ offensive prowess. With just over four minutes left in the first quarter, Brendan Zurbrugg showcased his arm strength with a 70-yard touchdown pass to K’Vaughn Davis. Another successful extra point kick made it 21-0 in favor of Alliance.
The Quakers were desperate to get on the scoreboard, but Alliance’s defense proved to be a formidable obstacle. However, the Aviators were not finished with their scoring spree in the first half. With just over a minute remaining in the quarter, Brendan Zurbrugg delivered a 64-yard touchdown pass to Rahmir Hawkins. The extra point was good, and Alliance closed the first quarter with an astounding 28-0 lead.
As the second quarter began, the Aviators showed no signs of letting up. At the 8:26 mark, Brendan Zurbrugg connected with K’Vaughn Davis once again, this time for a 70-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was successful, and the score stretched to 35-0 in favor of Alliance.
The Aviators were firing on all cylinders, and it was time for other players to shine. Ravhan Hawkins got in on the action with a 6-yard rushing touchdown, and the extra point was good. Alliance was now leading 42-0.
The Salem Quakers were facing an uphill battle, but they didn’t give up. With just under a minute left in the second quarter, Ravhan Hawkins broke free for a 44-yard touchdown run. While the extra point attempt was no good, Alliance still held a commanding 48-0 lead.
In the third quarter, Salem managed to find the end zone. Marcus Phillips scored a 7-yard rushing touchdown, and with Troy Gibson’s successful extra point kick, the Quakers put their first points on the board, trailing 48-7.
As the game progressed, both teams fought hard, but it was Salem’s Derek Oesch who delivered a 37-yard touchdown pass to Will Harmon in the fourth quarter. With the extra point good, the final score stood at 48-14 in favor of Alliance.
The Alliance Aviators had put on a spectacular display of skill and teamwork, securing a decisive victory over the Salem Quakers. The night belonged to Brendan Zurbrugg and his teammates, who had electrified the crowd with their dazzling performance on the football field. The Alliance faithful left the stadium that night with smiles on their faces, knowing they had witnessed a truly unforgettable game.
