GLENVILLE, W.Va. - The Glenville State Football team picked up a much-needed homecoming victory today against Wheeling, shutting out the Cardinals in the second half en route to their 27-13 victory. GSU rushed for 100 yards once again and held WU to just 69 rushing yards on 36 attempts.
1st Quarter
Both teams opened the game up with nothing on their first drives but Wheeling was able to to capitalize on an interception to put the first points up on the board, hitting a 35-yard field goal to make it 3-0 early. That would be the only offense either side could muster as a complete downpour would start at the end of the quarter, making it tough to generate any spark.
2nd Quarter
However, the heavy rainfall didn't stop the Pioneers at the start of the new quarter as Anthony Garrett found Terrell Heath down the side to set up an Alfred Menjor eight-yard TD run. The following extra point attempt would be blocked, keeping it 6-3 Pioneers. The rain helped the Cardinals on Glenville's following drive, with Zander Watson not being able to hold onto the snap on the punt and Wheeling scooping it up and taking it to the three-yard line. However, a strong stand by the Pioneers held WU to just a field goal.
A few drives later, Wheeling found themselves with good field position, but Sean Scott made a beautiful play down field, picking off Landon Lutz's pass. Scott recorded the interception at the Pioneers own two so a stop by Wheeling gave themselves good field position once again. The Cardinals capitalized this time, driving down and putting it in the endzone with a run to make it 13-6 right before the half.
Stats At The Half
The Pioneers only produced 86 yards of total offense in the opening half. The Cardinals had 115 yards of total offense, mostly relying on their passing game that still only had 79 yards.
3rd Quarter
It was a slow start to the 3rd Quarter for both sidelines, going five total possessions before the Pioneers came alive. It didn't take long for Glenville to score on their third possession of the new half as Anthony Garrett found Tariq Miller streaking for a 39-yard touchdown on the first play to tie it up at 13 all. A stop by the Pioneer defense put the ball back in the hands of the GSU offense and they took full advantage.
A well-designed play action pass to Zavione Wood worked to perfection for Mike Kellar's offense as Garrett connected with Wood for a 25-yard TD connection to give the Pioneers the lead. Glenville State would take their 20-13 advantage into the final quarter.
4th Quarter
Anthony Garrett recorded his third touchdown pass of the day to open the 4th Quarter, finding Zion Barnette down the left side of the field with Barnette high-pointing the pass to pull it in. This gave the Pioneers a comfortable 27-13 lead. GSU's defense closed out their strong performance, holding off any Cardinal offensive opportunity to help secure the Pioneers third win of the season.
The Final Stats
Anthony Garrett threw for 165 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Pioneers. Alfred Menjor recorded 28 carries on the day, running for 109 yards and one score. Tariq Miller, Zion Barnette and Zavione Wood all had a receiving touchdown in the win. Defensively, Ben Kee had nine tackles and Jacob Clark added seven. Jayleem Santos was busy in the backfield, picking up three TFLs. Sean Scott finished with an interception as well.
Landon Lutz completed 22 passes for 189 yards and one interception. On the ground, Tre'Ron Fullerton had 14 carries for 69 yards and one touchdown. The Cardinals receiving core was led by DaeDae Drummer's 51 receiving yards on five grabs. Ahkeem Mitchell had eight tackles to lead the defense. Sverri Finsson added five tackles and a TFL in the loss.
Up Next For The Pioneers
The Pioneers will be back at Morris Stadium next Saturday when they host Concord with kickoff set for 1 p.m.
