Braves defeat Valley View 20-13

Jumbled predictions and plausable scenarios for season results lined the stands of Dave Long Memorial Stadium as fans and students arrived for Shawnee's scrimmage against the Valley View Spartans. As the Braves were led onto the field by the sounds of the Shawnee Marching Band, they were clealry hyped and in a game-ready state, bumping chests with pure readiness. The Braves were looking to imrpove on their previous season's mediocre 6-4 regular season performance.

Shawnee lost the coin toss and elected to defend the South Post. As kicker Alyssa Garberich (SR.) sent the opening kick straight down the middle, the screams from the stands showed that even though this was just a scrimmage, Braves football season was in full effect. The first touchdown was a crisp pass from QB Alec Bennett (SR.) to WR David Barnett (SR.) who ran it in for the TD. Garberich lined up for the extra point and put it right through.  As Bennett again strung together a beautiful drive of passes and runs, he connected to Barnett yet again for a Braves TD, and Garberich again sunk the extra point. Valley View scored on a rushing TD, making the score after the first quarter 14-7

On an early second quarter play, QB Alec Bennet was sacked prior to making a throw, and had a very awkward landing, injuring himself severely. It was time to call upon backup QB, #13, Will Finch (SO.) Finch didn't let the spotlight get to him, following in Bennett's footsteps as a primetime QB. Finch led a beautiful drive of passes, even utilizing his well above average speed to his advantage, and sneaking in some QB runs. The drive was capped off by a one yard run in by Tyler Tucker (SR.) for the touchdown. Garberich was not able to connect on her third extra point attempt. Valley View scored on a late quarter run. The Braves and Spartans only played one half, and the final score was your Shawnee Braves 20, Valley View Spartans 13.

    The Braves open the season on August 28th at Vandalia-Butler, you can hear all the action live on Braves Sports Network. 

                                 -Mikey Zeigler