QUAKERS FIND FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON

MINERVA, OH- In an Eastern Buckeye Conference showdown, Salem secured their first win of the season in style, defeating Minerva with a dominant score of 36-7, and sophomore quarterback Gavin Colbert made a memorable impact in his first start under center.

Colbert showcased his talent by throwing three touchdown passes during the first three quarters, helping the Quakers clinch the victory at Hines Stadium on Friday night. This win marked Salem’s break from an eight-game losing streak, propelling them to a 1-6 overall record and a 1-1 standing in the EBC. Meanwhile, Minerva, struggling with a 26-game losing streak and an overall record of 0-7, fell to 0-2 in league play.

The Quakers opened the scoring in the game with two quick touchdowns late in the first quarter. Will Harmon was on the receiving end of a 21-yard pass from Colbert, followed by a 32-yard reverse run, pushing Salem ahead 13-0.

Salem’s defense played a pivotal role, recovering a Minerva fumble on the Lions’ first series, setting up the Quakers’ first score. The defense also demonstrated its prowess by snagging three interceptions, with Cyle Burt contributing two of them.

Marcus Phillips added to the offensive onslaught with a 14-yard touchdown reception, further extending Salem’s lead to 20-0 in the second quarter. Colbert, filling in for the injured starting quarterback Cletis Monroy, showcased his skills with 134 passing yards in the first half.

The third quarter witnessed a resolute defensive effort by Salem when Minerva threatened with a first-and-goal from the 3-yard line. The Quakers’ defense held strong, stopping Minerva at the 1-yard line on a crucial fourth-down play.

Salem continued to build on their lead, with Derek Oesch scoring on a 3-yard pass from Colbert, bringing the score to 26-0 with just over three minutes left in the third quarter.

Minerva finally found the end zone in the fourth quarter when Devon Patterson broke free for a 46-yard touchdown run up the middle, putting them on the scoreboard and crossing the 100-yard mark for the game.

Salem closed out the game with two more scores, including a 23-yard field goal by Troy Gibson and a 32-yard run by Marcus Phillips following Burt’s second interception.

As both teams return to league play next Friday, Salem will face Carrollton, while Minerva takes on Marlington.