The Blazers jumped out to a fast start and never looked back. The 21 point first quarter lead went to 41 at half and the final was 50-0. The Blazers had just one shutout last year, a 42-0 victory over Babcock late in the season. The defense created short fields all night while the offense scored quickly. The Blazers showed off some new wrinkles on offense as Tait Zeltwanger stepped into the drivers seat. The Blazers had 3 TDs after just 4 offensive plays. Elijah George found the endzone first on a 23 yard run.

The Blazers won the coin toss and elected to have Sophomore Jack Campbell kickoff to begin the season. Campbell's kick drove the Griffin return man back to his five yard line and the Blazers got down the field quickly, swarming him at the sixteen yard line as Matthew Manyak recorded his first tackle as a Senior. The Blazers were quick to force a punt attempt as they'd hold the Griffin offense to a three-and-out, with Seniors Peyton Gray and Evan Rowden combining on the third down stop to force the punt. On the punt attempt, a bad snap caused the Griffin punter to fumble the ball and Junior Tristan McConnell Haas got to him before he could get rid of it, securing the first points for the Blazers 2026-27 season with a safety. After a short kickoff, the Blazers offense took to the field for the first time in the 2026-27 season at their own 37 yard line. Noah Spenn would catch Tait Zeltwanger's first pass as the starter, shed a few tackles, and then pull a defender for another five yards as he'd get the ball inside the 20. The Blazers would score on play number two as Zeltwanger would fake the handoff up the middle and roll out to his right, hitting Senior Elijah George with a perfect pitch in stride as George sprinted past the defense and into the end zone, on a 23 yard TD to get the Blazers offense rolling. On the play, Senior Offensive Linemen Jakob Lester and Jacob Murray created such a big hole in the defensive line, pushing them nearly ten yards downfield, that all but one of the defenders bit on the fake, while Sophomore Tanner Vowels took care of that one defender with a great block on the outside to give George the opening around the corner and into the end zone. The Blazers would force a turnover on the next Griffin possession as Manyak would secure the loose ball after a botched handoff, giving the Blazers the ball inside their own 25 yard line. Zeltwanger would find Spenn across the middle for a 21 yard TD strike to make it 15-0 midway through the first quarter. The Blazers would get the ball back after a quick offensive series and Zeltwanger would hand the first ball off to Sophomore Will Hughes, running around the right side. Hughes would get help from another of Vowels great blocks and find his way around the corner and into the end zone for another Blazer score to make it 21-0. Hughes racked up 42 yards on three carries and the a TD. Zeltwanger would score a rushing TD of his own from five yards out and find Spenn again through the air for a 40 yard TD.

The Blazer defense smothered the Griffin offense limiting them to 6 yards and just one first down. Reed Gibson recorded 6 tackles including 2.5 tackles for loss. Tristan McConnell Haas had 5 total tackles. Caleb Otto and Noah Ovalle combined for a sack while Evan Rowden was impress at defensive end. 

Jakob Lester recorded 5 pancakes and Jacob Murray had 2 as they lead the offensive line to open some big holes and protect Zeltwanger all night long. Jack Campbell along with the kickoff coverage team pinned Gateway deep all game long. Several new Blazers got time under the Friday night lights. Elijah George carried the ball two times, for 25 yards with both carries resulting in touchdowns. Matthew Otto highlighted the night with 63 yards on 7 carries and a TD. Warren Yoder completed 2 of 3 passes and led the offense to the final score.

"There are a lot of unknowns in a first game but I was very pleased with our progress and excited that several young guys got some opportunities." Spenn continued, "We will have a much tougher test next week, but it is always good to get that first win of the season. I am proud of how we played the game and while the score was lopsided

The Blazers will travel to Canterbury (Fort Myers) next Friday night. The Blazers defeated the Cougars last year, but this looks to be a good battle. 


Game Links
MaxPrep Box Score
SSAA Stats and Scores
Hudl Highlight Video