NILES CANT KEEP UP IN HIGH SCORING AFFAIR

NILES OH- Last season Niles came away with a 19-16 defensive victory.  This year the tide turned as a big scoring offense in the first half turned into a one sided second half match.  The biggest story in this game was how would Niles’ run game be as Antuan Gardner was out with an injury and taking his place would be Joe Smith.  Same with the offensive and defensive line without Matt Keeley. 

 

A week ago, the Red Dragons of Niles got a big rivalry victory against Howland 21 to 7, while Alliance needed a rebound after a tough 41 to 14 loss against Lake. 

 

Alliance started out the game strong with just a few plays as Brendan Zurbrugg connected with Ramir Hawkins on a big play.  Few plays later, Kayden Davis got the first score on the board making it 7-0.  Niles would strike right back however as Anthony Budak hooked up with Keyshon Talley for a 75-yard touchdown tying it at seven.  The Aviators would get back on the board once again however as Davis went 44-yards to pay dirt. going up 14-7 and then another run this time from 58-yards out making it 21-7. Joe Smith also had two touchdowns, one from 50 and four yards out.  

 

However, the momentum changed as Budak was rolling out, he was picked off by Carter Bugara who took it all the way back for a pick six. After that, Alliance never looked back as the Aviators had two more touchdowns by Davis, and a touchdown reception from Tyion Matthew’s who went 39-yards out from Zurbrugg.  Ex’Ziriaun Williamson got reps of running back later on and scored a 53-yard touchdown too as Alliance got their first win against an old fashioned rival in Niles McKinley for the first time since 2004.  

 

Brendan Zurbrugg finished with 161 yards passing and two touchdowns.  Kayden Davis finished with 13 carris for 185 yards on the ground and four touchdowns. 

 

For Niles, Joe Smith rushed for 108 yards and two touchdowns.  

 

Next week, Niles (1-1) will host the LaBrae Vikings (0-2) who are coming off of a 40 to 12 loss against Valley Christian.  Alliance (1-1) will host Bedford (0-2).  

 

 After the game, YSNs Ian O’Brien caught up with coach Tim Goodman about the big win and what to expect next week. 

 

*contributed by YSNs Ian O’Brien*