WARRIORS FACE DOWN THEIR LATEST CHALLENGE

BELOIT OH- West Branch faced a formidable challenge against the high-octane offense of Alliance but emerged victorious with a 49-41 win in a thrilling matchup.

In the first quarter, West Branch set the tone with Boston Mulinix’s 3-yard touchdown run, capping off an impressive 63-yard drive following a fumble. The PAT was good, giving them an early 7-0 lead. Alliance’s K’Vaughn Davis responded with a 59-yard kickoff return, setting up a promising position at the WB 15. However, the West Branch defense held strong, and Alliance couldn’t capitalize. In the final moments of the quarter, Beau Alazaus connected with Gavin Gregory for a spectacular 73-yard touchdown pass, and the PAT was good, extending their lead to 14-0.

The second quarter brought more fireworks as Brendan Zurbrugg scored a 3-yard touchdown for the Aviators, closing the gap to 14-7. Beau Alazaus continued to shine, this time connecting with Gregory for a 21-yard touchdown pass, putting West Branch up 21-7. Alliance responded swiftly with Zurbrugg orchestrating a trick play, connecting with K’Vaughn Davis for a 59-yard pass. Two plays later, Zurbrugg found Ramhir Hawkins for an 18-yard touchdown pass, making it 21-13.

The third quarter saw West Branch start strong, with Anthony Perry making key receptions of 37 and 15 yards, taking them to the 1-yard line. Alazaus finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, and the PAT was good, giving West Branch a 28-13 lead. Alliance answered back quickly with Zurbrugg’s 36-yard touchdown run and a successful 2-point conversion, bringing the score to 28-21. Alazaus continued his impressive performance, connecting with Anthony Perry for a 21-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 35-21. Alliance mounted another response, with Zurbrugg finding K’Vaughn Davis for a 66-yard pass to the 10-yard line. Zurbrugg then connected with JR Jackson for a 9-yard touchdown pass, cutting the deficit to 35-28.

West Branch’s Boston Mulinix added to their lead with a 16-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, making it 42-28. In the fourth quarter, West Branch’s defense stopped Alliance’s drive, forcing a turnover on downs at the WB 6-yard line. Two plays later, Alazaus connected with Jeremiah Thomas for a remarkable 94-yard touchdown pass, setting a school record for the longest TD reception. This extended their lead to 49-28.

Alliance showed resilience, recovering an onside kick at the WB 39-yard line. Zurbrugg scored a 2-yard touchdown run, but the PAT was missed, making it 49-41. WB then recovered an onside kick and secured the victory with two first downs.

West Branch’s impressive win improved their record to 7-1, setting up an exciting matchup against Carrollton (5-3) next Friday.