West Branch’s season ends at the hands of Canton South, 40-21
LOUISVILLE — West Branch’s Division IV postseason football run came to an end Friday night as the Region 13 fourth-seeded Warriors fell to top-seeded Canton South 40-21 before a large crowd at Louisville Leopard Stadium.
The loss ends the Warriors’ season at 11-2, while South (13-0) advances to play the Struthers Wildcats (10-3) in the Region 13 final next Friday night at a site to be announced by the OHSAA. Struthers defeated Mentor Lake Catholic 28-25 Friday night to advance.
Poochie Snyder leads the way for Canton South
West Branch was unable to contain Canton South quarterback Poochie Snyder who had a combined 401 yards and four touchdowns in the game for the Wildcats.
“When you have a guy (Snyder) that’s started 50 games, the lights aren’t getting to him,” said West Branch head coach Tim Cooper of the performance by the Canton South All-Ohioan.
The Warriors trailed 7-0 at the end of the first quarter and 23-7 at halftime.
South was able to control the line of scrimmage and keep West Branch’s offense off the field with long, time-consuming drives.
“People think we don’t drive the football, they think we’re a big-play team and that’s really not been the case the second half of the year,” said Canton South head coach Matt Dennison. “We drive the ball and finish, including that 99-yard (touchdown) drive before half.”
Beau Alazaus throws for three touchdowns for West Branch
West Branch quarterback Beau Alazaus threw for 247 yards and three touchdowns but West Branch was out-gained 504-298 and out rushed 296-55 as Snyder led all rushers with 196 yards and two scores and passed for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
Alazaus threw touchdown passes of 61 yards to Jeremiah Thomas, 37 yards to Joey Jackson and 16 yards to Boston Mulinix and kicker Aliza Hirst added three PAT’s for the Warriors’ scoring in the game.
West Branch only loses three starters from this year’s EBC title team and is expected to be an area power again next season.
“I think our kids are going to (remember) this moment and it’s only going to make us better in the future,” closed Cooper.
CONNECT WITH US
WEB SITE ► https://www.mahoningmatters.com
DAILY NEWS EMAIL ► https://www.mahoningmatters.com/customer-service/newsletter-signup/
FACEBOOK ► https://www.facebook.com/mahoningmatters
TWITTER ► https://twitter.com/mahoningmatters
YOUTUBE ► https://www.youtube.com/@mahoningmatters2814
INSTAGRAM ► https://www.instagram.com/mahoningmatters
SUPPORT US ► https://givebutter.com/vNfzEW