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GALION NORTHMOR BREAKS 33-GAME LOSING STREAK The Northmor Golden Knights ended their streak of 33 consecutive losses with a 27-0 shutout of the Buckeye Valley Barons Friday night in Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference action at Gauthier Field in Delaware. The victory aso breaks a 29-game MOAC losing streak. The last Northmor (1-1, 1-0 MOAC) victory before Friday came October 17, 1997 at home against Mount Gilead. Ironically, that win, too, was a shutout -- 22-0. The Knights controlled the offensive line and, in turn, the game. Northmor had 316 yards of total offense compared to just 114 -- all on the ground -- for Buckeye Valley (0-2, 0-1 MOAC). Northmor scored on the game's opening drive, a 14-play, 71-yard march capped by James Baker's seven-yard touchdown pass to Noah Brook. The Barons helped the Knights along, as a Buckeye Valley face mask penalty gave the Knights one of four first downs in the drive. Brian Baldridge capped another long drive in the second quarter with a four-yard touchdown run, giving Northmor a 14-0 lead. The Knights scored again just before the half when Shane Pierson caught a Baker pass, broke a tackle and the 20-yard line, and scored on the 33-yard play. Northmor closed the scoring when Brian Bishop scooped up a Baker fumble at the one-yard line and dove into the end zone. Baker and his receivers had a solid night. Baker completed 15-of-24 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. Pierson led all receivers with seven catches for 121 yards, while Bishop added five receptions for 79 yards. Brook led the Knight runners with 39 yards on nine carries. Buckeye Valley's Ryan Smart led all rushers with 58 yards on 15 carries while Chris Hughes added 47 yards on 15 rushes. BV's Kyle Rehner (3) and Tony Cain (1) attempted a grand total of four passes, all of which fell incomplete, two on drops. Northmor will have a tough game next Friday as they host the Morral Ridgedale Rockets in MOAC action. Buckeye Valley will play its first road game of the year in Sparta against the Highland Fighting Scots. clecinosu |