Pep rally a send-off to Blue Devils before semifinal
ZANESVILLE - The drum line boomed and the marching band's horns reverberated across the gymnasium as the football team stepped onto center court in the midst of hundreds of cheering students.
The pep rally's leader, choir teacher Emma Lucas, handed the microphone off to two of the players, both of whom expressed the same two-word sentiment before the marching band started up with Zanesville High School's alma mater: "Go Blue."
Tuesday's pep rally, hosted at the school before the students left for Thanksgiving break, underscored the mounting anticipation as the team prepares for the biggest game of its dominant 12-1 season.
On Friday, the squad will head to Massillon, nearly 90 miles north, for its second state semifinal game since 2013, against Akron Archbishop Hoban at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.
Zanesville seniors in class of their own
"We just wanted to make sure they knew they were appreciated," high school Principal Garry Young said. "It's impressive. I knew they were a good team, and I knew Chad (Grandstaff) was a good coach."
As the Blue Devils prepare to face 12-1 Hoban, it will mark a historical moment for the current seniors, who are the only group at the school to ever play in two state semifinal games.
"It's nice to finally be able to have a good season, and I hope we can go further than the final four," said senior Braxton Snyder, a wide receiver and defensive back.
Snyder was part of the 2013 team during its semifinal matchup, but he didn't play his junior year, instead focusing on baseball.
Senior Alessio Amato also expressed excitement to be among the best football teams in the state, and he stated his appreciation for the student body's support.
"It's always good to have a school behind you," he said.
Zanesville rode seniors back to final four
The Blue Devils got to the semifinals with a 38-21 win against Jackson in the Division III, Region 9 finals on Friday at Athens High School.
"To be in the final four is a huge accomplishment and says a lot about their hard work and dedication," Grandstaff said. "We're proud of them and what they've done."
They'll have to face a daunting opponent in Hoban, which won the Region 7 title after defeating Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary 24-21 last week. Hoban also defeated New Philadelphia, the only team Zanesville lost to in the regular season.
If the Blue Devils win, they'll face either defending Division III state champion Toledo Central Catholic or Trotwood-Madison, who face off at Sidney Memorial Stadium. Those two teams played in last year’s state championship.
As the pep rally came to a close, most of the students headed home for the holiday. But the football players headed out to the field to prepare for the game.
Blue Devils face Hoban at Massillon's Paul Brown Stadium
"As long as we keep our heads right and keep in it mentally, we should be good," Amato said.
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If you go
The 12-1 Blue Devils will take on Akron Archbishop Hoban (12-1) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Massillon Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in the Division III state semifinals.
Tickets will be on sale from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday in the high school lobby. They are $10 at the gate.
In addition, the community is invited to gather at 3 p.m. Friday on Blue Avenue outside the high school to send off the football team as it leaves for the game.