Panthers match last year win total in week one!
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Greg Ricupero | August 25, 2023
River Valley was hosting newcomer Conemaugh Township at Saltsburg. they are hoping to move into a new stadium next year. The Panthers had a great season two years ago but were unable to win any conference games last year. Their only win coming in the season finale in a cross-over game. Conemaugh Township is under first year coach Brandon Studer and in a new league. Both teams are expected to have good seasons.
River Valley outplayed Conemaugh Township but I honestly don’t know how they won.
The Indians in the first half:
-Their Linemen appeared bigger
-They had the better kicking game with punter Kyler Mauzy having a great game.
-They had the best player on the field in quarterback/safety Jon Updyke.
Been all Jon Updyke Indians lead 7-0 halftime! @PaFootballNews @CtIndians @RVSDPanthers pic.twitter.com/eY5yj3D1iK
— Gregory Ricupero (@GregoryRicupero) August 25, 2023
-River Valley turned the ball over in the red zone and in their own territory.
Pick stops Panthers opening drive @CtIndians @RVSDPanthers @PaFootballNews pic.twitter.com/8UETR6mAZX
— Gregory Ricupero (@GregoryRicupero) August 25, 2023
-River Valley jumped offsides on a fourth and one during the Indians only scoring drive
-They scored right before the half for a big momentum shift.
I dont know what Panther coach Jess Houser said at halftime but….
The Panthers in the second half:
-Got big players from like 46 different kids.
-Got two touchdowns each from Sam Yantis and Luke Woodring.
-Big plays from Dom Speal on returns and a super catch.
Great Catch! @PaFootballNews @RVSDPanthers @CtIndians pic.twitter.com/18ETnMiNgY
— Gregory Ricupero (@GregoryRicupero) August 26, 2023
-Great defense from Jack Rummel
-Super kick coverage from Micah Griffith
-Great line play from both their offense and defense.
-Hard nose running by Gavin Burkhart and Kaden Barnhart.
-Capitalized on a 4th quarter pick.
Great defensive play by Jack Rummel! @PaFootballNews @RVSDPanthers @CtIndians pic.twitter.com/aYysm7cH3b
— Gregory Ricupero (@GregoryRicupero) August 26, 2023
-Updyke had a 76 yard touchdown called back on a block in the back, if it happen I don’t know why he was 30 yards ahead of everyone.
Updyke TD called back? @PaFootballNews @RVSDPanthers @CtIndians pic.twitter.com/m13cQDeHcx
— Gregory Ricupero (@GregoryRicupero) August 26, 2023
The Panthers pulled away in the second half for a much-deserved victory and could be the team to beat in the Heritage Conference. They are very deep.
The three key plays which could easily have gone the other way and made this a very close game were:
- Speal catch which set up a touchdown and flopped field position.
- The Updyke touchdown that was called back.
- The great defensive play by Rummel, but if the Indians aren’t trailing by two touchdowns, do they call that play.
Both teams should have promising seasons, the Indians just need to get some of their playmakers involved. River Valley just needs to keep spreading the ball around.
Conemaugh Township 0-7-0-0=7
River Valley Panthers 0-0-13-15=28
CT-Jon Updyke 3 run xp Jackson Sotosky 0:10 (7-0)
RV-Luke Woodring 9 run xp Cole Heckathorn 9:24 (7-7)
RV-Sam Yantis 80 run xp ng hit left post 0:22 (7-13)
RV-Woodring 1 run 2pts Woodring run 7:10 (7-21)
RV-Yantis 10 run xp Heckathorn 6:05 (7-28)
Check out my Twitter for 3 of the Panthers 4 touchdowns @GregoryRicupero and my FB page Gregory Ricupero Sports Network for pics from tonight’s game!
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