B-A looks to play through injuries
Football coach Nick Lovrich is a big proponent of safer play
October 4, 2019
After securing their 33rd consecutive ICC win last Friday night against Northern Bedford by a score 20-13, the Bellwood-Antis Blue Devils now prep to host 1-5 Warriors of West Branch.
It was a close call for the Devils, as they gave up two big-play touchdowns: one on a fumble recovered for a score, and another on a long pass.
“Guys get better every game, and playing Northern Bedford will help us down the road. It will help us to overcome adversity, build team character, and help up as we go though the rest of the season,” said BA head coach Nick Lovrich.
B-A will be without two starters this week, with starting running backs Zach Mallon and Jon Kost nursing injuries. But while the offense may be hampered, the Devils can still rely on a strong defense.
The B-A defense has three shutouts on the season, and overall they have been playing very well.
“Our defense really came to play (against Northern Bedford). We were fired up and definitely prepared for their offense. Besides one big pass play, we did a very good job stopping their offense,” said Senior Troy Walker.
West Branch last Friday topped Everett 14-6 for their first win of the season. Quarterback Ayden Gutierrez threw for 137 yards on 31 attempts, while completing 12 of them. Ayden also lea in rushing yards for the Warriors with 15. Junior Trenton Bellomy was the lead receiver, gaining 65 yards. Defensively, junior Ethan Yingling led in tackles with 10.
For the Blue Devils’ offense Walker also added 30 yards for the Blue Devil cause, while the leading receiver, junior Owen Shedlock added 42. Quarterback, Senior Trevor Miller, went for 94 yards against the Panthers, completing passes 7-11 times.
The dynamic rushing duo of Mallon and Nick Plank combined for a total of 226 yards, with each contributing a touchdown. Plank also came up big on defense as well, leading with 7 tackles.
Friday’s game is going to be one to get to, as the Warriors look to change the tide of their season and the Blue Devils push for 7-0.
“We have to prepare for each game like we are 1-0. We can’t think about the past,” said Lovrich.
