By: Luke Roman | Sept. 02, 2023 | A @wpfbstats exclusive
Marcus Quaker came out gunning at Katchmer Field on Sept. 1. The senior quarterback completed 21 of his 26 passes for 306 yards and three scores while leading the Mustangs to a 41-7 victory over Newport to claim the second annual Perry County football championship.
Ian Goodling was Quaker’s top target, the senior hauled in 10 balls for 166 yards to surpass Chase May’s career receiving yardage record of 2,168 which had stood since 2013. Goodling now has 2,284 career yards. Goodling, Bryce Smith and Cole Brown each pulled down a touchdown in the rout.
“We saw some holes where we thought we could throw the ball,” said Mustang coach Bob Boden. “We didn’t run as much as normal because we wanted to get our passing game going. Quaker-Goodling is probably one of the best combos in the Mid-State.”
In all, West Perry racked up 549 yards, averaged 8.5 yards per snap while picking up 29 first downs. The Mustangs’ 549 ranks as the third most total offensive yards in a single game in program history. Caleb Gutshall only carried four times, but he made them count as two of his totes ended in the end zone. Junior Brad Hockenberry plowed his way to 85 yards on seven carries.
The defense did its part too, limiting the scrappy Buffaloes to just 171 stripes including just 50 in the first half. Hockenberry pulled down an interception. Gutshall, Goodling, Cody Erno, and Ty Keller each delivered a sack.
Buffalo sophomore Dalton Kratzer ran for 131 yards and accounted for the lone Newport tally which came on a 50-yard third quarter dash to pay dirt.
Late in the game, Evan Jutba led the Mustangs to one final score finishing the march himself with a one yard plunge to put the final explanation point on the resounding victory.
