QUAKERS TAKE TO THE SKY AGAINST WARRIORS; MARCH TO PLAYOFFS

SALEM, OH- In their final game of the 2019 regular season, and the seniors final game at Sebo Stadium, this year’s version of Salem Quaker Football went out in style with a 46-27 victory over rival West Branch.

The Quakers seized control early on, recovering a fumble on the Warrior’s 3rd play from scrimmage and finishing the drive with points on a 10-yard scamper by freshman quarterback Jackson Johnson. The Quaker offense would strike again when Johnson, alluding the rush, stepped up in the pocket and had the presence of mind to stay behind the line of scrimmage and find Blaize Exline for a 34-yard touchdown to make it 12-0.
From that point on Salem didn’t look back. Every time it seemed like the Warriors were going to find a way to get back in the game, someone in the red and black would step up to make a play. Two such Quakers were Niko Walter and Exline, who both had huge days receiving in the win. Walter has 12 catches for 205 yards with touchdowns of 70 and 62 yards, while Exline brought in 9 passes for 129 yards and a TD.
And those were just two of the guys who contributed to Johnson’s staggering passing numbers. Anthony DiMuzio and Bradlee Kitts also had touchdowns for the Quakers. On the night Johnson was 27-36 for 381 yards and 5 touchdown passes (one touchdown run). In just three starts, Johnson has thrown for 13 touchdowns.
Not to be outdone by the aerial assault, senior Cade Campolito turned in another impressive performance with 14 carries for 95 yards and an electrifying 28-yard touchdown in the third quarter, dragging 4 Warriors across the last five yards into the end zone.
The Quakers wrap up their regular season 8-2 (4-2 in the EBC) and 5th in Division IV Region 13. This will be the third time in 5 years the Quakers have qualified for postseason play. They will travel to Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy next Saturday night to take on the 7-3 Royals. Kick-off is 7 p.m. so listen live at YSNLive.com/Salem.
*Contributed by YSN’s Jarrod Niederhiser