Bronson races past Quincy in Big Eight opener for both squads

Written by Gary Baker of the Coldwater Daily Reporter

An offense is nothing without a line.

Either is a running back, according to Bronson senior tailback Tony Myers, who ran for 181 yards and 5 scores in a 41-6 thumping of the Quincy Orioles.

"I wouldn't have been anywhere tonight without my blockers," said Myers. "The gave me holes and I just cutback and ran."

That he did.

In the first quarter, the Vikings got on the board with about 10 minutes left in the opening stanza on a 28-yard run by Myers. The Mickey Allaman point after was good, putting the Vikes up 7-0. Bronson struck again after a three-and-out by the Orioles, on an 8-yard run by Myers with an Allaman point after to go up 14-0.

Quincy made a small charge downfield, but quarterback Shane Rider came up short on fourth down and four, turning the ball back over to the Vikings. Bronson had a fourth and two situation, and Myers scored off the right side on a 50-yard scamper. The PAT was no good and the score was 20-0.

On the ensuing kick-off return, Quincy's Shai Miller returned the ball to around midfield, but injured his knee on the play. Initial reports say Miller tore his miniscus and will be out for a few weeks.

The Orioles mounted a drive and scored on fourth down when a Shane Rider pass was caught by Joe Todak. The PAT was no good, cutting the deficit to 20-6. The Vikings never stopped, scoring on the next drive, as Myers went 8 yards to paydirt, putting the Vikes up 26-6.

On the next Quincy drive, Rider converted a fourth and 10 with a 33 yard pass to Bobby Banker. The Orioles got to the 12 yard-line, but a pass intended for Banker was intercepted by Myers. Before the half, Myers scampered 67 yards to the endzone, and with the PAT, the score was 34-6 at the half. Brandon Philson scored from two yards out on Bronson's opening possession of the second half to end the night's scoring.

Bronson's offensive and defensive efforts were held in high regard by Bronson coach Jeff Gallup.

"I was very pleased with our first game," said Gallup. Our execution was good, our lineman did a good job of communicating and our backs had some vision. Our defense got better as the game progressed."

For Bronson, Tony Myers led all rushers with 181 yards on 8 carries. Brandon Philson had 9 carries for 92 yards; Mario Hernandez 8 carries for 62 yards; Josh Czajkowski 8 carries for 36 yards; Irish Wilder 3 carries for 18 yards; Ryan Gallup 5 carries for 16 yards and Dalton Kane had one carry for 3 yards. The Vikings rushed for 388 yards on the ground on 43 attempts.

Philson led the defensive effort with 9 tackles and David Severn had 8 tackles. Mickey Allaman had 7 tackles.

For Quincy, Shane Rider was 7-of-15 for 91 yards, TD, INT. Michael Brewer led Quincy with 48 yards on 15 carries. As a team, Quincy had 69 yards on 28 attempts. Quincy coach Dave Bach gave credit to the Vikings and their ground attack.

"They are solid up front and fast," said Bach. "Penalties killed us and it all snowballed."

Bronson will face Buchanan at home on Thursday, Sept. 3 and Quincy travels to Big Eight rival Reading.

"The kids played hard and didn't quit," said Bach. "It [Quincy's schedule] doesn't get any easier."