8 first-half TDs leads Alliance High School football to rout of Minerva
ALLIANCE — The Alliance Aviators didn’t waste any time in putting away the Minerva Lions Friday night.
The Aviators scored on their first eight possessions as they rolled over the Lions, 61-0, on senior night at Kehres Stadium.
Alliance (5-4, 2-2) scored on all facets of the game in the opening half – three touchdown passes, two by the run, a punt return and two defensive scores.
“I thought this was a good program win,” said Alliance head coach Tim Goodman. “When you are able to have a first half like we had and then be able to play down to the JV guys, and when they come in there is no drop off in the second half. They got a couple of scores and completed the shutout.”
Minerva (0-9, 0-4) won the opening coin toss and deferred, putting Alliance’s high-powered offense on the field first.
It took Alliance only 2:15 to get into the endzone. Senior quarterback Brendan Zurbrugg (Oklahoma) connected with wide receiver Jayden Proctor for a 30-yard TD pass.
Zurbrugg, who played only in the first half, completed all seven of his passes for 157 yards and scores to Proctor, Ramhir Hawkins (64 yards) and a short 2-yard pass to Adam Zumbar.
Alliance also got a 61-yard touchdown run from Ravhan Hawkins and a 28-yard scoring run from Ramhir Hawkins.
On defense, the Aviators scored on a 15-yard fumble recovery by Malachi Thomas-Allen and a 16-yard interception return by defensive lineman Kevin Frazier.
Alliance’s punt team also scored on a 56-yard punt return by Brady White. It’s not often a defensive lineman records a touchdown.
“I feel amazing,” Thomas-Allen said with a huge smile. “That was a lot of fun. That is every ‘D’ lineman’s dream. I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s in my hands.’”
In pitching the shutout, the Aviator defense forced five turnovers and recorded 11 tackles for losses.
“We worked hard all week in practice resetting the line of scrimmage,” Thomas-Allen said. “I tried my hardest, and I know the other guys did too.”
Goodman said it was a good night for his defense, but it still has a lot of work ahead.
“We have been challenging the guys,” Goodman said. “Our offense is pretty dang good, so we just have to improve our defense through the end of the season and into the playoffs. Our guys took that to heart, and they had a really good week of practice. I really like how we got better this week and came out tonight and played hard.”
The Aviators have a lot on the line when they travel next week to Marlington for Week 10 – also known as rivalry week.
“I told the guys just now this is a big game,” Goodman said. “There is a lot on the line − the Backyard Brawl trophy and making the playoffs. There is a lot at stake, and I think both teams will be ready to go.”
This article originally appeared on The Repository: 8 first-half TDs lead Alliance High School football over Minerva
