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Western Warriors Drizzle PastSaginaw High, 15-12

October 11, 2009       Leave a Comment
By: John Keuvelaar

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A rain soaked field can often be an equalizer between two football teams. This is especially true when a major portion of your offense is passing. While the rain certainly contributed to the low scoring, it was a heads up defensive play the proved to be the game winner as Western defeated Saginaw High, 15-12.

Western got on the board first in their opening possession. Starting on their own 44 they looked to the ground to move the ball. Jason Pressler broke off a run for 15 yards to the Saginaw 23. Moments later Austin Pichiotino capped off a seven play drive by scampering 11 yards for the touchdown. When the extra point failed, the Warrior were up 6-0.

Western added to their lead in the second quarter. Starting from their 37, Pichiotino found Tyler Ellis for a 16 yard reception putting the Warriors in Saginaw territory. Soon Pichiotino ran it 14 yards to the Trojans 7. But Saginaw's defense stiffened forcing a 22 yard Caleb Boileau field goal and Western was on top 9-0.

Saginaw got their first break in the second quarter. After Pressler ran 24 yards to put Western at midfield, a Warrior fumble game Saginaw the ball just inside Western territory. Two plays later, the Trojans were on Western's 18. Then senior signal caller Greg Hayes found DeParis Gordon for the touchdown. When the extra point failed, the Trojans were within three points of Western.

Western Choir are truly "Singing in the rain."
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Western's Jesse Metz and Alex McQuarter put a hurt on the Saginaw ball carrier.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Western's Austin Pichiotino gets off the pass under heavy pressure by 85 Dominique Ruffin and teammate.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Western's Austin Pichiotino runs for 103 yards on the night.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Western's Josh Alba breaks loose for good yardage.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Western's Jesse Arnold wrangles down the Trojan.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Western's Jesse Metz scoops of the game winning touchdown.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Western's Hunter Mutko keeps heavy pressure on Saginaw's Greg Hayes.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)



In the third quarter, a mistake by Saginaw turned into the eventual game winner for Western. With Saginaw on their own 12 yard line, Hayes threw a lateral pass to his receiver. The ball bounced off him landing on the soggy turf. As the receiver stared at the ball believing it was an incomplete pass, Western's Jesse Metz alertly scooped up the ball and landed in the end zone for a touchdown. The pass ruled a lateral was then a fumble allowing the quick thinking junior to score six for the Warriors. The missed extra point made the score 15-6.

The Trojans halftime adjustments kept Western in check through the second. Being that they were behind, Saginaw looked more to the air. Interception by Caleb Boileau helped foil one drive before the Trojans could get a drive going. Midway through the fourth quarter, Saginaw started on their 37 and quickly moved to Western's 14. Then Hayes hit Deanthony Arnett for a 14 yard touchdown pass bring Saginaw within 3 points, 15-12.

The Trojans would try to amount one more drive on the Warriors. On fourth down at the 40, Hayes pass was intercepted by Tyler Ellis to not only cap a person solid day but more importantly a Western Homecoming victory.

With the win, Western is 5-1 in the conference, one game back in the Saginaw Valley race for the championship. They are also within one game of qualifying for the state playoffs.

On the night, Austin Pichiotino threw for 97 rain soaked yards on 7 for 15 throwing. Tyler Ellis caught four of those balls for 82 yards and Jason Pressler caught three balls for 15 yards. Pichiotino also lead the Warriors on the ground scampering for 103 yards on 20 rushes. Joe Hanisko added 47 yards and Josh Alba ran for 40.


Western's Tyler Ellis breaks up what looks like a sure reception.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Western's Josh Alba is "Rumblin" along.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Homecoming Queen, Caitlyn Shann, waives to the crowd.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Tyler Ellis reaches for more yards as Jason Pressier (background) lays out a block.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Austin Pichiotino drives for the first down.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Caleb Boileau puts an end to the Saginaw drive by intercepting the ball.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

This pass is up for grabs.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Saginaw's Dion Smith makes a diving catch.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)





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John Keuvelaar

John Keuvelaar is a college student at Midwest Photography Workshops and Delta College.

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