The varsity Zizzers traveled to Lebanon’s homecoming game ready to prove something to themselves and to the rest of the Conference – Zizzers Never Say Quit. And prove it is exactly what they did with a final score of 48 to 41 over the Yellowjackets.
And to make sure his team knew he meant business, Coach Ary managed to smack his head hard during the huddle, leaving a big gash over his eye and blood streaming. It just helped add to the attitude that the Zizzers were out for blood this evening. They needed a win bad. They were hungry for it, and ready to battle.
After last year’s amazing 10-0 season, no one expected this year’s younger Zizzer team to be able to perform at their previous level. We didn’t expect another 10-0 season. We knew this would be a year of rebuilding. And hard fought games.
But what we didn’t know was how quickly they could learn, adapt, improvise and overcome. And at the Lebanon game, we watched them do just that, right before our eyes. And it was a thing of beauty!
Coach Ary has built this year’s team to capitalize on Hoopes’ ability to drive the ball again and again and again, wearing down the opponents’ defense in the process. And then he changes the strategy to keep the opponent guessing, with a quick screen from Randolph (#2) or handoff to someone other than Hoopes, such as Holloway (#33) or Nichols (#16) or Cornish (#84). And as long as our defense can hold their opponents to within one or two scores, the offense can capitalize in the 3rd and 4th quarter against a worn down, tired defense.
This night, the Zizzers executed that strategy very well. And Lebanon helped us out by throwing some quick long pass touchdowns which did not give their defense much time to rest. Something our Zizzers would capitalize on later.
Lebanon came out fast and drew first blood with an early score in the 1st quarter with 9:19 remaining. But then the Zizzers answered back with a successful drive and tied up the game at 7 with 4:15 remaining in the 1st.
The Yellowjackets quickly fired back with a long TD pass at 2:57. It looked to be a long night of back and forth battle, as Hoopes (#26) drove with multiple back to back first down carries. But then a Zizzer mistake put the ball back in Lebanon’s possession, putting them in position to get up by 2 scores over the Zizzers.
And with a quick double reverse play and a long pass, the Yellowjackets were up 21 to 7 in the 2nd quarter with 5:01 remaining. No rest for the Zizzer defense (or the Yellowjacket offense!).
Zizzers answer back with a long kickoff return from Holloway to the 42. Hoopes carries. Then Nichols with a “surprise” carry, as he breaks free and gets the long TD run. Cressman’s kick is good and Zizzers trail 14 to 21. Zizzers are perfectly poised within striking distance with only one score away.
But then Lebanon answers back again, ending the half with 27 to Zizzers 14. Zizzers would much rather be within 1 TD instead of 2, but this is not out of reach for them. If the Zizzer defense can contain Lebanon for the rest of the game, then the Zizzer offense should be able to close the deal in the 3rd and 4th quarters.
And in the first 12 seconds of the 3rd quarter Nichols runs long to score! Zizzers now trail 20 to 27. Let’s go defense! But, Lebanon scores again within 60 seconds. 34 to 20, Zizzers trail at 10:48.
Holloway carries for the first down. Hoopes carries for the first down. Hoopes for the first down again. And again. Hoopes is pushed back. Lebanon stops the long Zizzer drive! But Lebanon’s defense has had to work hard to shut down Hoopes and they’re getting tired.
This time Zizzer defense stops the Lebanon drive! Good job Zizzers! Holloway recieves and runs long for the first down. Then again for the TD! Cressman’s kick is good! Zizzers trail 27 to 34. We’re back within 1 score again!
And then… Zizzers stop Lebanon again! Then drive with one long pass to Cornish and really long run for the TD. Cressman’s kick is good again. Zizzers tie it up at 34! 1:19 in the 3rd quarter. Zizzers are getting pumped now – and so are the Zizzer fans!
But Lebanon scores again. However, Zizzers make Lebanon work hard for their next TD. But now it’s Zizzer time. Hoopes carries for the first down. Hoopes carries for the first down again. And again on 4th and 3. Holloway carries for 5. Hoopes for 3. 4th and 1. Hoopes carries for the TD! Cressman’s kick is good again! Zizzers tie it up at 41. Zizzers and Zizzer fans are going nuts!
All we need now is for the Zizzer defense to make a big stop right here. Can they do it? The answer is a loud, YES! And now it’s Zizzer time. Nichols delivers with a long run for the first down on the 30. Hoopes carries for the TD! Cressman’s kick is good again! Zizzers lead for the first time tonight! 48 to 41. 1:22 remains in the game.
Zizzers must stop the last drive of the night from Lebanon. Can they do it one more time? Lebanon drives and gets a first down. Then again. Zizzer defense is putting pressure but not totally stopping Lebanon’s drive. Yellowjackets are in the Red Zone now.
This is the critical moment for the Zizzer defense. Will they allow another Lebanon TD? Can they hold Lebanon and force a turnover? With only 8 seconds remaining, Zizzer defense answers the question: YES they can!
Wheeler (#18) spots the play and gets in position to grab the interception. BOOM! Wheeler’s interception seals the deal for the Zizzers. The sideline erupts with joyful shouting as the Zizzer fans rush the field to celebrate a hard-fought, and much needed victory.
Congratulations Zizzers! You did it!
