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Weaver leads EU to satisfying victory
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The East Union Lancers enjoyed a sweet Zero Week victory over Grace Davis.

“Like a nice home meal, it was satisfying but not quite filling,” Willie Herrera said following the 41-12 outcome at Dino Cunial Field.

The East Union coach believes this year’s team may have the right ingredients for the long haul.

Junior quarterback Jack Weaver served up the main course, delivering on nine of his 16 pass for 251 yards to go with three touchdowns. He also ran for another score, compiling 74 rushing yards on 13 carries.

“We’ve worked so hard together,” Weaver said of the team’s preseason preparations. “We’re looking to build and create something here with each game.”

The Lancers scored on their second possession of the game with Weaver setting the table by hitting senior tight end Baily Simons on long tosses of 41 and 35 yards. That was enough for Marcus Panelo to score on a 7-yard run early on.

East Union came up with a turnover – the first of three in the game – with Daniel Ramos recovering the fumble on the ensuing Spartans’ drive.

Isaiah Cormier cashed in on the opportunity by scoring on a 21-yard run.

Davis mounted a threat on a long pass play. Lancer defenders Cormier and Austin Miller broke up passes in end zone passes, with Miller coming through with an interception.

The Spartans were quick to return the favor, picking off a pass at mid field and capitalizing when E.J. Jackson hauled in Ezekiel Orozco’s toss for a catch-and-run 62-yard touchdown.

But before the intermission, East Union played beat the clock. Weaver scampered for yards, scoring on a 5-yard run as time expired.

Down 28-6, Davis turned to its running game in the second half. Senior running back Eli Correa did the bulk of the work on the 53-yard drive. Orozco picked up fumble and scrambled 11 yards for the touchdown.

Later in the third, the Spartans had another big play. Nico Salazar nearly scored on the 52-yard pass play, getting stop inside the Lancers 10.

East Union dodged another bullet by recovering a fumble at the 4.

Herrera credited defensive coordinator Jason Stock for having the team ready for these situations. At the same time, he praised offensive coordinator Eddie Koeller for his play calling.

Evident of that was Weaver hitting Simons in stride on his 54-yard scoring toss early in the fourth quarter.

He later found Miller on a 60-yard touchdown bomb to close out the scoring.

Simons had three catches for 130 yards while Miller also hauled in three pass for 85 yards.

Correa was the Spartans’ top ball carriers with a game-high 94 yards on 15 carries.

“This game was surreal, especially how it played out,” said Herrera.