District Nine Class A Championship Preview: Port Allegany vs. Redbank Valley
Tagged under: District 9, News, Playoffs
Phil Myers | November 16, 2023
Port Allegany is the defending D-9 Class A champs. The Gators defeated RBV last year 8-7 in the regular season. They did not meet in the 2022 playoffs. Redbank could do no wrong earlier this year when they smoked Port 57-13. Because these two teams played in different District Nine leagues through the years and were sometimes in separate classes, they’ve only played 5 times in the history of the schools with Redbank holding a 3-2 edge.
Port Allegany (10-2) – The Gators beat Brockway in the semis last week 29-10 to get to this game. Their only two losses are to District Nine’s two ranked teams, Redbank and Central Clarion. Port has scored 445 points and given up 179. In fact, discounting their two defeats they’ve only allowed 65 points in their 10 wins. They are coached by Justin Bienkowski.
The strength of the Gators on offense is the line as all 5 starters returned from 2022. Quarterback Nick Wilfong has had a nice year throwing for 960 yards and 13 touchdowns. Peyton Stiles and Aiden Bliss compliment each other in the backfield as both are 1,000-yard rushers. Bliss has raced for 1,558 yards and scored 24 times, while Stiles has chalked up 1,137 yards on the ground with 18 TDs. Stiles is the top receiver too with 21 catches for 354 yards and 4 touchdowns. WR Tristan Kiser has caught 5 TD passes to lead in that department.
Five players on the Gator defense have 3 or 4 interceptions, and the team has 23 picks so far in 2023. Bliss is the leading tackler on the team. Port’s defense has recorded 27.5 sacks and 52 tackles for loss.
Redbank Valley (10-1) – The Bulldogs defeated Coudersport 46-13 last week without their all-star quarterback and their all-star place kicker. Redbank’s only loss was to Central Clarion. The Redbank offense has been like a pinball machine this year racking up 551 points. Coach Blane Gold prides himself in defense and the ‘Dogs have only given up 156 points. In eight of their eleven games they’ve allowed 13 points or less. Redbank is ranked 7th in Class A according to PFN.
On offense, sophomore QB Braylon Wagner has lit it up. He has tossed the rock for 2,541 yards and 39 touchdowns. He can run too as he’s scored 8 times. Redbank’s receivers are tall, fast, and good. Mason Clouse has pulled down 51 passes for 907 yards and 16 TDs. Ashton Kahle has grabbed 46 passes for 876 yards and 11 scores. Ashton George has caught 9 passes for touchdowns. Drew Byers leads the team in rushing with 821 yards and 11 TDs. Owen Clouse, the place kicker, is a weapon too. He’s connected on 55 of his 56 extra point attempts and has knocked home 3 field goals.
The Redbank Valley defense has an unbelievable 96 tackles for loss in 11 games. They also have 15 sacks and 19 interceptions with Kahle having 8 of those and Mason Clouse 5. Caden Adams leads the Bulldogs in tackles.
For Port to win they have to control the line play with their experienced linemen. But that is a tall task because Redbank’s line is pretty good too. If Port controls the line on offense, then they should be able to win the time of possession which is key. On defense they have to limit the big play offense of the Bulldogs and cause a few turnovers. Their chances increase if Wagner doesn’t play, but it will still be a long shot.
Redbank just needs to care of the ball, be patient, and take what the defense gives them especially sans Wagner in order to bring home the trophy. On defense they’ll have to not allow the Gators to control possession. If they can bend but not break they’ll be in good shape.
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