by Beloit, Ohio – Thanks to a pair of third quarter touchdowns, the #5 seeded Glenville Tarblooders defeated the host #4 seed West Branch Warriors, 13-0, in the second round of the OHSAA Division IV, Region 13 playoffs.
Glenville senior Christian McAlpine came up with an interception to set the Tarblooders up deep in West Branch territory. A fourth down conversion run by CJ Newell set up first and goal. However, the drive came up empty as a 29-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Jack Flickinger.
Defense was the name of the game, as the two teams traded punts throughout the first half.
Senior running back Boston Mulinix broke free for a 46-yard gain in the second quarter to flip the field and put West Branch into Glenville territory. However, the Warriors could not capitalize, as senior kicker Anthony Perry’s 40-yard field goal was wide left.
The two teams went into the halftime break at a scoreless draw.
Glenville received the ball to kick off the third quarter. They faced a fourth-and-two on their own 34, and were stopped as Garin Harlan and Jack Flicklinger stopped CJ Newell in the backfield.
The Warriors were unable to take advantage, and had to punt the ball away. On the ensuing return, West Branch defensive end Gavin Heavener forced a fumble that was recovered by Jack Flicklinger.
West Branch looked to take the lead, as Anthony Perry set up for a 40-yard field goal. However, junior defensive end Cincere Johnson, who holds multiple Power 4 offers, blocked the field goal.
The Tarblooders would drive down the field on their ensuing possession. Sophomore quarterback LaMarques Greenwood II found Pauly Sadler for a reception on third down to keep the drive alive. Two plays later, junior tailback CJ Newell punched it in from four yards out. The ensuing PAT was good, and Glenville got out to a 7-0 lead with 3:34 left in the third quarter.
After forcing a punt, sophomore London Hearn had a great return to put Glenville deep into West Branch territory. They would cash in one play later. Lamarques Greenwood II would find a wide open Pauly Sadler for a 25-yard touchdown reception. The ensuing point after was partially blocked, and Glenville’s lead stood at 13-0 with 2:27 left in the third quarter.
The West Branch Warriors got down to the Glenville 30, but came up empty on their drive, turning the ball over on downs. After getting a stop on defense, West Branch would mount one more drive, looking to put points on the board. However, the drive was thwarted as freshman defensive back Jaylen Edwards picked off a pass with 5:32 left.
Glenville advances to the regional semifinals, where they will take on Lake Catholic next Friday night at a site to be determined. The Cougars defeated Field, 35-3, in their second round matchup in Painesville.
West Branch ends their season at 11-1.
