UNDERDAWGS! Redbank Valley becomes first PIAA District 9 football team to reach PIAA Finals since 1992 23-14 GALLERY @benchamp19 @RVBulldogs @Coach_Gold @carter_newcome @PABackyard

Tagged under: District 7, District 9, News

Carter Newcome | December 4, 2021

By Carter Newcome

Not many people around the state of Pennsylvania gave Redbank Valley a chance to win Friday night in the PIAA semifinals. Why would they? District 9 has not had a team reach the state championship since 1992 when Scotland School beat Smethport 24-7.

However, Redbank Valley proved those who doubted them wrong tonight. A stout defense forced five turnovers and didn’t allow any points in the second half. None of those turnovers were bigger than Chris Marshall’s 98-yard pick six early in the second half.

“I just saw the quarterback’s eyes. I saw him coming across the slant and they were trying to get it all game and I just read it and took it to the house.” Marshall said.

Bishop Canevin led 14-7 and was looking to add to their lead on the first drive of the second half. Marshall jumped the pass thrown from Jason Cross and had nothing but green grass in front of him. This not only swung the momentum but gave life to Redbank Valley.

HOLY COW!!!! @RVBulldogs ties the game with this @chriz_marshall 95 yard pick 6! 14-14 with 7:44 remaining in the 3rd quarter. @PaFootballNews @PaBackyard pic.twitter.com/Vd4aatTwjN

— Jeremiah Miller (@JeremiahMiller0) December 4, 2021

The very next play on offense for Crusaders ended in another interception, this time by Tate Minich. Bishop Canevin held on defense, but the offense coughed up the football on the next drive, leading to a Brenden Schreckengost touchdown run, giving Redbank Valley a 21-14 lead early in the 4th quarter.

. @RVBulldogs TAKES THE LEAD!!! Brenden Shreckengost takes it in from 1 yard. 21-14 Bulldogs with 11:18 left in regulation. @PaFootballNews @PaBackyard pic.twitter.com/FxJLTbUChl

— Jeremiah Miller (@JeremiahMiller0) December 4, 2021

Redbank needed one more stop from its defense to punch their ticket to Hershey, and they got it in the form of a safety. Joe Mansfield made the sack that gave Redbank Valley a 23-14 lead and the football with 5:08 to play.

. @RVBulldogs comes up with a HUGE safety! 23-14 Bulldogs with 5:08 left in regulation. @PaFootballNews @PaBackyard pic.twitter.com/fWu4eEjmh9

— Jeremiah Miller (@JeremiahMiller0) December 4, 2021

Bishop Canevin finishes their 2021 season with a 13-2 record and a WPIAL championship, just two years removed after going 1-9. Redbank Valley improves their record to 13-1 on the season. The Bulldogs will play in Hershey on Thursday at 1pm against Bishop Guilfoyle for their first state title.

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, the @RVBulldogs will be heading to the state championship! Final score Red Bank Valley 23 Bishop Canevin 14. @PaFootballNews @PaBackyard pic.twitter.com/pul1WQnu8a

— Jeremiah Miller (@JeremiahMiller0) December 4, 2021

“It’s been a dream since we were little kids, we all wanted to go to Hershey get them chocolate bars, go on that tour, it’s just a dream come true,” Marshall said following the game.

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