Quincy football takes down Reading in Battle for the Bell

READING – For the first time since the 2016 season, the Victory Bell will be coming to Quincy.

The Orioles used a potent passing game to hold off Reading, 18-12 on Thursday night, winning for the first time in seven years in the annual rivalry battle. The bell, which stands nearly four feet high and is equipped with wheels for easier transport, will now reside at Quincy High School, where the Orioles will paint it in their orange and black colors.

Quincy went to the air for the lead, as Brennen Allman found Ryan Kempter for a 37-yard touchdown pass and led 6-0 after one quarter.

Reading tied it at 6-6, but the Orioles got a 2-yard touchdown run by Ethan Copas to lead 12-6 ahead of halftime. The drive was bolstered by a few big passing plays, especially to Kempter, who had over 163 yards receiving on seven catches.

Reading was able to tie things up with a 16-yard touchdown pass late in the third quarter. Quincy, however, did not panic and Allman found Noah Pearson for a 7-yard touchdown pass for the winning points.

Quincy out gained Reading 242-197 for the game, with 216 of those yards coming through the air. The Rangers outgained Quincy 63-26 on the ground. Allman went 10-for-13 with 216 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions.

Defensively, the Orioles were led by Grant Holroyd with 11 total tackles while Eathan Pearson added 11 tackles, followed by Nash Fitton with 10 total tackles, two for a loss, and one sack. Carter Pish also had 10 tackles, two for a loss.

Also adding to the Quincy defense was Noah Pearson with seven tackles; Ethan Copas with four tackles, two tackles for loss; Max Barve with eight tackles, one for a loss; and Lucas Dixon with five tackles. Kempter also added four tackles, including an interception.

For now the Orioles will enjoy their time painting the victory bell a nice shade of orange with a bit of black to boot. However Quincy has little time to celebrate as they will look to ride the momentum of this huge win next week when they face off with another rival in the Bronson Vikings.

This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Quincy football beats Reading for first time since 2016 for Victory Bell