Stach Popa

Buirley scores three times as Big Walnut rolls past Louisville, 37–7 SUNBURY — Louisville struck first. Big Walnut supplied every answer after that. Nolan Buirley scored three touchdowns, Eli Stumpf threw for 256 yards, and the Golden Eagles reeled off 37 unanswered points Friday night to defeat Louisville 37–7 in the Week 12 Division II, Region 7 playoff matchup. Big Walnut improved to 11–0 and advanced to a regional semifinal against Massillon Washington. After Louisville quarterback Cody Zahler opened the scoring with a 14-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter, Big Walnut took control with a 16-point second quarter. Buirley’s 2-yard touchdown run and Owen Pyles’ extra point tied the game at 7–7 just four seconds into the second period. With 1:52 remaining before halftime, Stumpf connected with Buirley for a 62-yard touchdown that put the Golden Eagles ahead for good. Pyles added a 43-yard field goal, giving Big Walnut a 16–7 halftime advantage. The Golden Eagles kept building their lead after the break. Stumpf found Brody Schuster for a 24-yard touchdown in the third quarter, extending the margin to 23–7. Jackson Bowers added a 6-yard touchdown run early in the fourth, and Buirley finished the scoring with a 45-yard burst with 5:11 remaining. Buirley delivered through the air and on the ground, rushing for 148 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries while catching four passes for 95 yards and another score. His 243 yards from scrimmage helped power an offense that consistently produced big plays. Stumpf completed 15 of 26 passes without an interception and added 55 rushing yards. Bowers contributed 48 yards on four carries, while Gavin Harrington caught four passes for 46 yards. Brady Simon added two receptions for 43 yards, and Fen Stumpf finished with three catches for 39 yards. Big Walnut’s defense shut out Louisville over the final three quarters. Drew Harris and Tanner Harkness each intercepted a pass, while Beau Drake and TJ Minor each recorded a sack. Cole Hysell contributed two tackles for loss. Pyles finished a perfect night with four extra points and his 43-yard field goal, helping the Golden Eagles turn an early deficit into a decisive postseason victory. Next comes another home playoff test: Big Walnut will host Massillon Washington on Friday, November 13, at 7 p.m. in the Division II, Region 7 regional semifinals. Massillon advanced with a 48–0 victory over St. Francis DeSales. The Golden Eagles remain unbeaten—and their postseason continues in Sunbury.

🏈 PLAYOFF FRIDAY IN SUNBURY! 🦅 No. 2 Big Walnut (10–0) hosts No. 7 Louisville (9–2) in the OHSAA Division II, Region 7 quarterfinals. Let’s pack the stadium! 📅 Friday, Nov. 6 | 7 PM 📍 Big Walnut High School Stadium 🎟️ $12 adults | $5 students. Cash accepted at the gate or buy online at OHSAA.org. 🅿️ $5 Football Booster Parking Donation 📺 Live on Spectrum News 1 | Tape-delayed on OH Report What’s next? The winner plays No. 3 Massillon Washington or No. 6 St. Francis DeSales in the regional semifinal Friday, Nov. 13 at 7 PM. A Big Walnut win means another home game. If Louisville wins, it travels to the Massillon–DeSales winner. #EagleStrong

🏈 BIG WALNUT FOOTBALL | 2026 OCC CAPITAL ALL-LEAGUE HONORS 🦅 After a 10–0 regular season and an OCC Capital Division championship, 14 Golden Eagles earned recognition on the field or in the classroom! 🏆 Co-Offensive Player of the Year — Nolan Buirley 🏆 Co-Defensive Player of the Year — Cole Hysell 🎓 National Football Foundation Football Scholar-Athlete — Matt Green First Team Eli Stumpf, Nolan Buirley, Cole Hysell, Jackson Bowers, Caiden Long and Matt Green Second Team Tanner Harkness, Beau Drake, Gavin Harrington and TJ Minor Second Team Kicker — Owen Pyles Special Mention — Drew Harris Honorable Mention — Avery Henson Scholar-Athlete — Fen Stumpf Congratulations, Golden Eagles! 🔴🟡 #EagleStrong