Alazaus wins QB battle, West Branch survives shootout

BELOIT, Ohio (WKBN) – Two dual-threat Eastern Buckeye Conference QB’s put on a show Friday night.

West Branch quarterback Beau Alazaus (four passing, one rushing) and Alliance quarterback Brendan Zurbrugg (three passing, two rushing) each combined for five touchdowns apiece Friday night as the Warriors ultimately survived a slugfest in Beloit, beating the Aviators 49-41.

Trailing by three scores in the fourth quarter, Alliance scored twice in the final six minutes but came up short in their comeback bid.

Boston Mulinix pitched in two rushing scores while Gavin Gregory added two receiving touchdowns in the winning effort for West Branch.

Mulinix got the Warriors on the board first late in the first quarter with a short touchdown run. Alazaus’ long touchdown pass to Gregory extended that lead to 14-0 heading into the second quarter.

A Zurbrugg touchdown run gave Alliance their first points of the game early in the second quarter. But another Alazaus and Gregory connection would extend the lead back to two scores for the Warriors.

Zurbrugg found Ramhir Hawkins for a touchdown pass late in the first half, and the Aviators trailed 21-13 going into the locker room.

It was a wild third quarter, with both teams combining for five touchdowns.

Alazaus added two more scores in the third, a rushing score as well as a pass to Anthony Perry. Mulinix also got his second touchdown run of the game.

Zurbrugg added two more scores in the third as well, expanding his total to four with a rushing score and pass to J.R. Jackson.

Alazaus kept the magic going in the fourth quarter hitting Jeremiah Thomas for a monster 94-yard touchdown reception, giving the Warriors a three-possession lead for the first time.

Adam Zumbar’s short touchdown run brought Alliance back within two scores with under six minutes remaining.

With under three minutes remaining, Zurbrugg matched Alazaus’ total with his fifth touchdown of the game to bring the Aviators back to within a single score in the final minutes. The extra point attempt was missed.

Alliance (4-4) will host Minerva next week. West Branch (7-1) will host Carrollton.