Woodruff helps Tigers beat Northwestern

Senior QB rushes for three TDs, throws another, has 283 yards of offense.

West Liberty's Tyler Cordell dives as he attempts to intercept a Northwestern pass meant for the Devin Nicewaner during the Tigers' 30-3 victory Friday, Sept. 4, at Northwestern.

Staff photo by Bill Lackey West Liberty's Tyler Cordell dives as he attempts to intercept a Northwestern pass meant for the Devin Nicewaner during the Tigers' 30-3 victory Friday, Sept. 4, at Northwestern.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Photos: West Liberty-Salem vs. Northwestern

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By Brian Plasters, Staff Writer Updated 3:05 AM Saturday, September 5, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — Zach Woodruff waited patiently for three seasons to be the quarterback of the West Liberty-Salem High School football team.

He earned the starting job this year as a senior, and his play is proof enough that he’s not letting it go.

Woodruff rushed for three touchdowns and tossed another TD pass as the Tigers beat Northwestern High School 30-3 at Taylor Field in a nonconference game on Friday, Sept. 4. Woodruff completed passes to seven different receivers for 197 yards and rushed for 86 more.

“It’s a chance to prove myself,” Woodruff said from the Tigers’ locker room after the game. “I just try to take advantage of every chance I get.”

Backing up Brice Baumgardner and Levi Woodruff in recent years, Zach Woodruff paid attention. “My success is a testament to them,” Zach Woodruff said. “They taught me everything. I learned from watching them.”

Tigers head coach Toby Smith was pleased with the win, but not the team’s consistency. However, he had nothing but good things to say about Woodruff.

“He’s doing a nice job,” Smith said. “He waited his turn and he’s taking advantage of it.”

While Woodruff kept the offense moving, the defense smothered the Warriors (0-2) most of the night. Northwestern had 131 total yards of offense and didn’t get a first down in the third quarter.

“We’re really hammering consistency, playing hard and with attitude — working on all the things that it takes to be successful,” Northwestern head coach Brian Stevens said.

The Tigers (2-0) took the opening kickoff and marched 70 yards, capped by Woodruff’s 2-yard scoring run.

In the second quarter Woodruff connected with Jarred Merrick on a 30-yard completion to bring the score to 16-0.

Both teams had a field goal in the first half: Erik Thomas hit a 28-yarder for the Tigers and Taylor Gannon hit a 35-yarder as time expired for Northwestern’s only score.

West Liberty-Salem broke the game open in the second half with two scoring runs by Woodruff of 1 and 11 yards, respectively.

Taylor Turnmire led Northwestern with 72 rushing yards.

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