Miami Trace played Zanesville tough but couldn't pull close enough to take home a victory Friday night at home losing 27-13.
For the Panthers it was a case of 1 step forward two steps back at times especially during the first half. Freshman return man Jayden LeBeau returned the opening kick-off 70 plus yards and Miami Trace got the ball down to the Zanesville 7 yard line, then had back to back penalties, and a bad snap, to eventually have the ball 4th and goal on the 27 yard line only to turn it over on downs. Zanesville then went on a 10 play 71 yard drive that took over 5 minutes off the clock that turned into a 19 yard touchdown on a throw from Ben Everson to Dekker Davis, PAT was good for a 7-0 first quarter lead. Those were the only points the Blue Devils scored in the first half as they only gained 13 yards the rest of the half.
Miami Trace sustained 14 play 60 yard drive in the second quarter getting the ball inside the Zanesville 10 yard line once again and settled for a Justin Shoemaker field goal to make it 7-3 Blue Devils with 8:01 remaining in the quarter. Miami Trace also gained 83 total yards in the first half.
The second half Zanesville got the ball first and marched down the field on an 8 play 61 yard drive that took 3:14 off the clock as Everson hit J.C. Curtis for an 18 yard throw and catch for a td. The Panthers were able to answer as Quarterback Tyler Taylor hit Wide receiver Dalton Mayer on a 3 yard slant that Mayer took 84 yards to the house to make the score 13-10. It stayed that way until the fourth quarter.
In the fourth, Everson scrambled as his receivers were covered down field and scampered 79 yards for a touchdown to put the Blue Devils up 20-10. Late in the fourth Miami Trace was able to get back in scoring range and Shoemaker knocked down his second field goal of the night to make it 20-13. Zanesville was able to run the clock out at the end to escape with the victory.
Zanesville (3-2) had 284 total yards, 201 in the second half, 202 on the ground, committed 8 penalties for 87 yards and had zero turnovers.
Miami Trace (2-3) finished with 266 total yards, 110 on the ground and 156 through the air. Dalton Mayer had 3 catches for 101 yards and touchdown to lead the way. They also had zero turnovers but committed 8 penalties for 50 yards.
Next week is homecoming for the Panthers as they welcome the McClain Tigers (1-4) to town. Buckeye Country 105.5FM broadcast time is 6:40 p.m.