Homecoming: Zizzers Go 7-0 Defeating Waynesville 44-13
It’s always great to win at Homecoming – and this year’s win was extra special for two reasons: (1) the 50th year reunion & celebration of the only undefeated Zizzer football season, and (2) the breaking of a 17 year old Zizzer football record.
In 1968, the Zizzer football team not only won Homecoming, but they won every other game they played that season. It was a perfect record. And no other Zizzer football team has been able to replicate that in 50 years. But this year’s Zizzer team has their sights set on doing just that. And with their 44-13 defeat over Waynesville, the Zizzers took their season record to 7-0.
But in the midst of all the Homecoming excitement there was something else: Brayden Lidgard broke the Zizzer record for most career rushing yards (3,681 set by Ty Davis in 2001)! Way to go Brayden – and we still have more games this year PLUS next year! Lidgard is going to set the bar for career rushing yards so high, it’ll probably stand for many decades. [NOTE: Lidgard is currently at 3828 career rushing yards.]
Lidgard started the game by carrying the ball for 92 of the Zizzers’ first 96 yards, and driving the first touchdown of the game. Cressman kicked the extra point and we’re up 7-0. The great Zizzer Defense forced Waynesville to punt. And near the end of the first quarter, Lidgard carried for 25 yards and a touchdown! The extra point kick did not connect and Zizzers were up 13-0.
Zizzer Defense forced another turnover on downs, but a Waynesville interception gave it back to the Tigers. Thankfully our Zizzer Defense got back to back quarterback sacks and forced another punt. QB Connor Rackley used the opportunity to build a successful drive down the field, where he drove the ball himself for the 6 yard touchdown run. Cressman’s extra point is good and Zizzers lead 20-0 over Waynesville. Lidgard scores again! Zizzers lead 26-0.
Less than a minute left in the half and Zizzers drove the ball down the field, Rackley to Warren for a TD with 5 seconds to spare! Two-point conversion is good and Zizzers lead Waynesville 35-0 at the half.
In the second half, Marcak returns the kickoff, setting up QB Rackley to lead them down the field for another Rackley to Warren touchdown! 42-0 Zizzers lead at the half.
In the third quarter, Coach Ary is putting in his second string Varsity players and some of the junior varsity players. And Waynesville capitalized on it to score their first points of the game: 42-7 Zizzers lead.
Tigers fumble a snap in the end zone, Zizzers get the safety and 2 more points. 44-7, Zizzers over Tigers. Waynesville’s varsity squad is able to add one more TD before time runs out. Final score: West Plains, 44 and Waynesville 13.
