JV Braves wash away Wolverines

Dillon Willhelm looks downfield for one of his receivers during the JV game against GMG.

by Vincent Bushong

On Monday, Oct. 17, after a two-year junior high rivalry with Green Mountain Garwin (GMG), the 9^th grade members of the JV football team pulled ahead in the tie from the match-ups of the previous two years. In spite of GMG’s great effort, the Braves ultimately took the victory with a final score of 34-22. 

The game added to the 9^th grade Braves’ 7^th grade victory over the Wolverines and overshadowed their 8^th grade defeat.

Fullback and linebacker Luke Goodman said, “It was good to beat them this year because they surprised us last year with their new running back. This year we proved that one player can’t beat us.”

The Braves were able to take advantage of scoring opportunities every quarter. Early in the first quarter, Dillon Wilhelm ran the ball into the endzone after Mitch Gibson’s 53-yard run to the 1-yard line. Later in the first, Mitch Gibson ran 70 yards for another touchdown, followed up by the 2-point conversion by Goodman. The second quarter brought a 5-yard push by Bryan Gregson for a touchdown, with another 2-point conversion by Goodman. In the third quarter, Wilhelm’s pass found Jake Hasley, who secured another touchdown for the Braves. The team’s final score was in the fourth quarter, when Jay LeBahn succeeded in a 35-yard touchdown run.

Coach Keith Sietstra said, “We were able to hit multiple big plays both in the running and passing game, and we were able to consistently move the football up and down the field.” Many of the running opportunities would not have been possible without the offensive line. 

Sietstra said, “They fired off the ball; they got on their defenders and opened up some really nice running lanes for our backs.” 

Besides running the ball, the Braves also had a good passing game, with only one incompletion and a 54-yard touchdown reception. 

This victory marks the last home game for the JV squad.