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Blue Devils run past, over and through Warriors

BELLWOOD — Bellwood-Antis ran the ball, and then ran it some more … all night long.

The Blue Devils outgained West Branch by a staggering 440-84 margin as they drubbed the Warriors, 50-14, at Memorial Field Friday.

That damage was led in large part by junior Nick Plank who racked up 239 yards on the ground on 12 carries. Sophomore Connor Gibbons — who made his first start in place of Zach Mallon — recorded 105 yards on nine attempts and had a receiving touchdown.

Play of the game: Plank ripped a 71-yard gain in the first quarter as part of Bellwood-Antis’ initial outburst that put them up 21-0 after the opening frame.

Player of the game: Plank, who also scored three touchdowns.

Unsung hero: Gibbons had 105 yards on nine attempts and was on the receiving end of a Trevor Miller touchdown pass. He made his first career start.

Most vital statistic: The Blue Devils piled up 440 yards on the ground compared to just 84 for the Warriors. Overall, Bellwood outgained West Branch by final count of 547-240.

Bellwood-Antis coach Nick Lovrich quote: “Our offensive line has done a really good job this year. Connor did a great job stepping in for Zach (Mallon), and Nick’s been consistent, had some breakaway runs which was really great for him.”

West Branch coach Kevin Hubler quote: “They’re a good football team. If you want to beat good football teams, you’ve got to play good football and we didn’t do that tonight.”

Plank on the Blue Devil offensive line: “They’re always going to block for us. They care about us. I definitely couldn’t have had half as many yards without the effort they gave. I was just trusting what they had been giving me, and keeping my eyes up and giving a little extra effort.”

Plank on Gibbons: That’s amazing that he can step up, he’s a young sophomore, there’s a lot of pressure in that situation, all those nerves when you have your first start like that and I think he rose to the occasion really well.”

Notable: Bellwood-Antis recognized participants in its youth football program. … The Blue Devil defense forced four turnovers — all interceptions. … Bellwood’s offense put up 19 first downs to West Branch’s 10. … West Branch had 8 penalties for 70 yards while the Blue Devils had 4-for-28.

Records: West Branch is now 1-5 in the ICC and 1-6 overall. Bellwood-Antis is now 6-0 in the ICC and 7-0 overall.

Next week: West Branch welcomes Williamsburg and Bellwood-Antis travels to Mount Union.

SCORE BY QUARTERS

West Branch 0 7 7 0 — 14

Bellwood-Antis 21 16 13 0 — 50

First Quarter

BA–Plank 2 run (Pellegrine kick), 9:45.

BA–Gibbons 10 pass from Miller (Pellegrine kick), 7:31.

BA–Plank 2 run (Pellegrine kick), 5:05.

Second Quarter

WB–Dale 78 pass from Gutierrez (Betts kick), 7:05.

BA–Shedlock 15 pass (Pellegrine kick), 4:49.

BA–Safety (West Branch called for intentional grounding in the end zone), 3:37

BA–Walker 30 pass from Miller (Pellegrine kick)

Third Quarter

BA–Plank 54 run (Pellegrine kick), 9:43.

BA–Shildt 8 run (Kick failed), 4:12.

WB–Herring 13 run (Betts kick), :32

TEAM STATISTICS WB BA

First downs 10 19

Total yards 240 547

Rushes-yards 22-84 36-440

Yards passing 156 107

Passing (comp.-att.-int.) 9-25-4 8-15-1

Punts-avg. 3-18 1-35

Fumbles-lost 0-0 2-1

Penalties-yards 8-70 4-28

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING–West Branch, Herring 8-60, Kephart 4-11, Gutierrez 4-(17), Brown 5-25, Bellomy 1-5. Bellwood-Antis, Walker 1-11, Plank 12-239, Gibbons 9-105, Miller 2-12, Boyer 1-7, Shildt 3-14, Pellegrino 4-18, Kost 4-34.

PASSING–West Branch, Gutierrez 9-25-4-151, Croyle 1-2-0-5. Bellwood-Antis, Miller 8-15-1-107.

RECEIVING–West Branch, Hoffner 1-15, Dale 2-93, Herring 4-42, Bellomy 2-1, Rothrock 1-5. Bellwood-Antis, Walker 3-45, Gibbons 1-10, Noonan 2-23, Plank 1-14, Shedlock 1-15.

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