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Zinobile makes JV versatile

Juniata Valley has been known for its overpowering running game for years, and thanks to 1,000-yard back Jaxson Rand, that hasn’t changed.

But what has changed is the Green Hornets’ ability to work toward something they’ve been striving to achieve for a long time.

“Versatility is something we’ve been working toward,” Juniata Valley coach Bill Musser said. “We’re very happy with where we are right now. Teams can’t just say, ‘OK we’re going to take away the pass or we’re going to take away the run,’ because the coaches have done a tremendous job of making adjustments and taking what defenses give us.”

One of the main reasons behind that shift is senior quarterback Quinn Zinobile.

“Since I have the ability to run the ball as well as pass, I think that really surprises defenses,” Zinobile said. “Whenever I can get going, that helps Jaxson get going. When we have those multiple threats, we can be hard to stop.”

Zinobile has completed 70 passes for 1,137 yards and 12 touchdowns and has run the ball 139 times for 887 yards.

He’ll get a chance to try and go over 1,000 yards on the ground and add to his passing totals this Friday when Juniata Valley hosts Claysburg-Kimmel in a District 6 Class 1A quarterfinal game.

“Our line has been doing a great job this year giving me a lot of time to throw,” Zinobile said. “I think that will continue into the playoffs. We’ve had a bye week, so we’ve had plenty of time to get ready.”

The last time the teams met, the Green Hornets won 27-20, and Zinobile played a part in all four Juniata Valley touchdowns. Naturally, he ran for two touchdowns and threw the other two.

The Green Hornets are coming off a bye week as the No. 2 seed, while the Bulldogs edged Conemaugh Valley, 12-6, in a hard-fought first-round game Saturday.

“It’s very good for us to have the bye, because we have to get some kids healthy,” Musser said. “It’s nice to catch our breath. We stubbed our toe at Everett to start the season and have really fought back to get to 8-2. Now we can get mentally and physically healthy again.”

Musser said there is an outside chance Zinobile will get another weapon, wideout Cameron Collins, back from injury during the playoffs.

“The District 6 Class 1A playoffs are so balanced,” Musser said. “Really any of the 12 teams that made it could have won it. We just have to make sure we bring our A-game every week.”

B-A game moved

The Bellwood-Antis at Ligonier Valley District 6 Class 2A semifinal scheduled for Saturday night at 7 p.m. has been moved to Greater Johnstown High School. It will still kick off on the same day and time.

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