Stream Pennsylvania High School Football on the NFHS Network
 
 
 
Ville Billys
 
Centre WISP
 

Penns Valley survives slow start, pulls away from Bellefonte on three Ty Watson scores

Tagged under: Centre County Report, District 6, Game Photos-Videos, Gameday Hub, News

| September 3, 2022

On the first play from scrimmage for Bellefonte running back Jamal Saunders burst through the line for a 10 yard carry. That would be the story of the first half as Penns Valley struggled to contain the big back. The second half was a different story as the Rams made a few adjustments to go along with the momentum gained from a  blocked punt for a td that put Penns Valley in the lead just before the half and the Rams pulled away for the 34-20 win against their rivals from over the mountain.

Bellefonte’s ground game proved to be difficult for the Rams for nearly the entire first half. Saunders ran for 62 yards on 12 carries and a score. That also opened up the passing game for Bellefonte.  Saunders scored on a 15 yard run on their second drive to put the Raiders up 7-0 with 7:24 left in the first quarter.

 

The Rams did respond, but it took a nice defensive stand to do so. After forcing a punt, Penns Valley had nice field position at the 46. Quarterback Jackson Romig led his team with a nice collection of pass and run to get the the 28 of Bellefonte. He then connected with Miles Brooks for the 28 yard score to tie the game at 7 midway through the second quarter. To their credit, the Raiders never gave up despite increasing pressure on QB Trevor Johnson. It took just two plays, a run for a 2 yard loss then a beautiful 46 yard td pass to Logan Williams who raced down the sideline putting Bellfonte back on top 14-7. It was here that Raider head coach Vaughn Donmoyer made a gutsy call. The Raiders successfully attempted an onside kick and recovered at the 50. A personal foul put the ball at the Ram 35. Several plays later Trevor Johnson found Logan Williams who hauled in an 8 yard td pass to put Bellefonte up 20-7. The kick after missed.

 

Following the kick, the Rams were forced to punt and pinned Bellefonte deep with just over a minute to play in the half. The Raiders ran a play then took a knee twice. With just  seconds left in the half Ram Head Coach Marty Tobias made a brilliant time out call on fourth down. Colin Niewiniski came from around the end, blocked the punt and recovered it in the endzone. The kick was good and the Rams were within 6 at the half.

 

“Their kids came to play. This is a much improved Bellefonte team. They really executed their game plan well. We had to make some adjustments to stop that downhill running attack. Our kids were very excited after that blocked punt. It really lifted their spirits” said Tobias. “When we figured out out much time we had, we called the timeout. We always want to give ourselves a chance.”

That momentum carried over to the second half. Penns Valley cornerback John Meyer intercepted a Raider pass and Ty Watson scored from 21 yards out on the next play to give Penns Valley a 21020 lead. The Ram defense completely shut down the Raider offense but for one play, a 74 yard pass play to Dom Capperella, that led to a missed field goal.

 

Penns Valley scored on three Ty Watson runs to pull away for the 34-20 win. Watson on his second half performance: “We went in the locker room, had some pretty inspirational speeches by coach (Martin Tobias), and we came out there and did what we had to do in the second half,”

MORE OF GALLERY HERE

Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews

 
 
PA Football News Scoreboard presented by NFHS Network
 
GoRout
 
Showcase by Circle W Sports
 
Football Legends board game
 
 
x