Zizzers Are 8-0 After Defeating Central 70-8
On a wet, drizzly evening the Zizzers debuted brand new, all-black uniforms to a relatively small home crowd at the week 8 game against Central’s Bulldogs, defeating them 70-8 in what seemed like a mis-matched contest, leaving the Zizzers undefeated and the Bulldogs winless.
And though the uniforms were new, the Zizzers were the same as they’ve been all season – dominating. By the end of the first half the Zizzers were up 63-0 with six (yes SIX!) NON-Offensive touchdowns. Zizzer Defense scored 3 TD’s from interceptions and Special Teams scored 3 TD’s on punt receptions. Leaving only 3 TD’s for the Zizzer Offense – which normally scores between 5 and 6 TD’s in the first half.
Even Brayden Lidgard didn’t get to see much action this game. He normally carries 23 times per game (average this season), but he only carried 9 times. He normally scores 3 (or more) TD’s per game, but he only scored 1 TD this game.
Why? Coach Ary just didn’t play the varsity starters very much – offense or defense. In fact, after the first half, Coach pulled his starters and put in second string players from JV and Freshmen to give them some more Varsity level playing experience. And that’s when Central capitalized on it and scored a TD and 2 point conversion in the 3rd quarter – Central’s only score of the game (and their 2nd highest score this season – they scored 20 on Parkview and 6 on Kickapoo, and they’ve been shutout the rest of the time).
The Zizzers only scored one more TD, in the 4th quarter, finalizing the score at 70-8. Here’s how the game went down:
Central received the kickoff and went three and out with a punt on their first possession. This story would repeat several times throughout the game. Then the Zizzer Offense took over with QB Rackley passing to Marcak who ran it all the way in for a TD on our very first play of the game. Cressman’s extra point was good (every single time). Zizzers up 7-0.
Bulldogs go three and out with a punt again. But this time, Dalton Lucas would receive it and run it 84 yards with some good blocking for a touchdown! Zizzers up 14-0 with 8:37 remaining in the 1st quarter.
Bulldogs go another three and out with a punt thanks to our great Zizzer Defense. This time our offense gets to work. Rackley tries a pass to Marcak, incomplete. Lidgard drives for a first down. Rackley tries another pass on first down, incomplete. Lidgard drives to the 14. Rackley to Cobb, incomplete. Lidgard to the 3! Rackley to Warren for the TD! Cressman kicks the extra point. Zizzers up 21-0 with 5:20 in the first quarter.
Bulldogs get the ball again. Beau Ary grabs a Bulldog interception and runs it all the way in for the TD. Cressmans kicks the extra point. Zizzers up 28-0 with 4:24 in the first quarter.
Bulldogs get the ball again. Ian Ary snags a tackle, then snags an interception and takes it all the way for the TD. Cressman kicks the extra point. Zizzers up 35-0 with 3:41 in the first quarter.
Bulldog go another three and out with a punt, with tackles for Ian Ary, Brady Robins and a QB sack from Titus Seley. Dalton Lucas receives the punt and runs it all the way for another TD (his 2nd punt return TD of the game). Cressman kicks the extra point. Zizzers up 42-0 with 1:31 in the first quarter. Bulldogs end the 1st quarter with possession of the ball.
2nd quarter, Bulldogs go three and out with a punt. Lidgard starts the offensive series with a first down. And another by Lidgard. Then Lidgard drives for the TD! Cressman’s kick is good. Zizzers are up 49-0 with 8:09 in the 2nd quarter – and Lidgard has only touched the ball 6 times for 1 TD.
Bulldogs go another three and out and punt with tackles from Addison, Seley and Beau Ary and a blocked pass from Seley. Zizzer Offense tackes over. Rackley hands to Lucas who runs it in for the TD with some good blocking (Lucas’ 3rd TD for the night) – BUT an unfortunate Zizzer penalty takes it back to the 16. Rackley hands to Cobb – first down. Rackley gives to Cobb again taking it to the 1 yard line. Cobb again for the TD! Cressman kicks the extra point. Zizzer are up 56-0 with 5:16 in the 2nd quarter.
Bulldogs have the ball again. Bryson Collins gets a big tackle. Robins and Addison take down. Bulldogs pass and earn their FIRST 1st down of the game. Kole Taylor grabs the interception and takes it all the way for the TD! Cressman’s kick is good (he’s tied the Zizzer record for extra points in a game = 9). Zizzers lead 63-0 with 3:27 in the 2nd quarter.
Zizzer Defense forces another three and out with a punt. Zizzers have the ball when the clock ends for half time.
3rd quarter and Coach Ary puts in the second string offense with JV and Freshmen players. Bulldogs defense forces us to punt. Bulldogs capitalize and run it all the way to the 5 yard line! Bulldogs score and grab a 2 point conversion at 6:33 in the 3rd quarter. Zizzers lead 63-8.
Zizzers are back on offense. We throw an interception and Parker#34 gets the take down on the 8 yard line – saving us from another Bulldog TD. Coach puts in our defensive starters who stop the Bulldog drive and force the turnover on downs. Zizzers get the ball again. Connor Lair carries and the clock runs out on the 3rd quarter.
Dalton Lucas finally gets his 3rd touchdown run of the night with an 85 yard run. Cressman’s kick is good. Zizzers lead 70-8 with 9:48 in the 4th quarter.
Bulldogs have the ball again and fumble – McGinley recovers it on the 34! Drown#33 gets 5 yards. Drown carries again. Zizzers almost get intercepted! Zizzers turn it over on downs, back to Central. Bulldogs earn their 2nd first down of the game. Summers#64 tackles. Frazier#71 tackles. Stowers#37 tackles and time runs out. Game over.
Zizzers 70, Central Bulldogs 8. Zizzers need one more win to have a perfect undefeated regular season. The last game of the season is at Springfield’s Glendale High School. And then on to the post-season, Districts competition, where we’ll face teams we’ve never seen before from the east side of the state.
Go Zizzers!
