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Valley View uses dominant running game to beat Berwick

Tagged under: District 2, Gameday Hub, News

| September 1, 2023

After a disappointing 50-0 loss in week one, Berwick welcomed in 1-0 Valley View into Crispin Field for the home opener. Valley View survived a tough test in week one as they beat Crestwood 21-14, they have beaten Berwick 8 straight times previously and wanted to make it 9 in succession.

Valley View wasted no time marching down the field, just over four minutes into the game, Camryn Higgins found the endzone on the opening drive.

 

Early on for Berwick, it looked like yet another blowout loss to start the season. Unlike last week, Berwick had some fight this time. QB Ethan Lear found WR Billy Hanson on a beautiful rollout throw to get Berwick back in it. The extra point was no good and Berwick trailed Valley View 7-6.

The story of the game for Valley View was their ability to run the football right through the Berwick defense. It started with a one-yard scamper to put Valley View back in the driver’s seat.

Berwick was seeing the game slipping away from them late into the second half.  With Valley View’s ability to run the ball and Berwick’s lack of ability to stop the run, the half ended in Zach Cwalinski getting in the endzone from 3-yards out.

Valley View entered the halftime leading by a pair of Touchdowns. If Berwick were to avoid going 0-2 for a second straight season, they had to climb the deficit and put some points on the board. QB Ethan Lear gave Berwick a spark with a goal-line run to cut the lead to one score.

At this time, the momentum had started to switch in Berwick’s favor as they leaned on the hometown crowd to get them back into the game. Valley View stole the momentum right away as they went on a statement drive and scored quickly.

Preston Reed of Valey View, who was running hard all night, caught a screen and went the distance on a jaw-dropping TD play.

At this time, the deficit was three scores and Berwick tried to stage a late comeback but eventually came up short. The final score from Crispin Field was 34-19 Valley View over Berwick.

For Berwick, it’s another disappointing start to the season as they fall to 0-2. The passing game was much more effective with WR Billy Hanson being the main beneficiary. QB Ethan Lear bounced back well after a rocky start against Southern Columbia. Considering it is only his 2nd game starting at QB, he looked poised and is getting better week by week.

On the Valley View side, a great start to the season for First-year HC Scot Wasilchak as his Cougars go to 2-0. The running game set up the pass and they had a nice balance to keep the Bulldog defense guessing. After losing a lot of weapons, Valley View looks like they have not missed a beat from Valley View teams in the past.

After the game, I spoke with the first-year coach.

 

BERWICK NEXT WEEK 

vs ABINGTON HEIGHTS 9/8 7 PM

VALLEY VIEW NEXT WEEK

vs HONESDALE 9/8  7PM

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