Bellefontaine Middle School football opened the season in impressive fashion Thursday night, as both the seventh- and eighth-grade Chiefs recorded shutout victories over Northwestern.
The two teams combined for 62 points while holding the Warriors scoreless, with turnovers and defensive touchdowns playing a key role in both wins.
7th Grade Chiefs 36, Northwestern 0
The seventh-grade Chiefs controlled the game from the start, rolling to a 36-0 victory behind a defense that consistently created problems for Northwestern.
Gunner Law led the defensive effort with two interceptions, returning both picks for touchdowns to account for a pair of defensive scores.
Bellefontaine’s offense also produced several explosive plays. Dustin Rogan opened the scoring with a 7-yard touchdown run before Britton Evans broke loose for a 76-yard touchdown run.
Jonathan Harvey later added a 73-yard touchdown reception as the Chiefs continued to capitalize on their opportunities.
The 36-0 victory gives the seventh-grade Chiefs a 1-0 start to the season.
8th Grade Chiefs 26, Northwestern 0
The eighth-grade Chiefs also posted a shutout, defeating Northwestern 26-0.
Bellefontaine held a 6-0 lead at halftime before pulling away in the second half.
Zieler Whetsel came up with an interception, setting up an 80-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Palmer. Palmer added another touchdown early in the fourth quarter on a 25-yard run.
The Chiefs’ defense continued to make big plays, including a pick-six by Tovan Benton. Jack Fissell also intercepted a pass to give Bellefontaine another strong field position opportunity.
The Chiefs converted that opportunity when Brentlee Bach caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Braylon Lyburtus.
Bellefontaine closed out the 26-0 victory to start the eighth-grade season 1-0.
