PIAA Class 1A Semi-Final: A look at Redbank Valley

Tagged under: District 9, News, Playoffs

Billy Splain | November 30, 2023

Redbank Valley (12-1) @ Fort Cherry (14-0) @ Farrell HS – 7:00 pm

How they got here (click to see 1A Bracket)

2023 SCHEDULE

The Bulldogs cruised to a 44-0 win last week over Cambridge Springs. The 44-0 shutout was Redbank’s first of the year, although in 7 of their prior 12 games they’ve held their opponent to 9 points or less.  “We were happy to finally get the shutout,” stated Bulldog head coach Blane Gold, “credit to the jayvees, they were out there in that last drive.”  Coach Gold’s Bulldogs are a high scoring offense with many weapons. Offensively, the Bulldogs are 5^th in Pennsylvania in scoring, averaging 47.5 points a game.

Keys on Offense:

Bulldogs have some real burners in receivers Ashton Kahle and Mason Clouse. Quarterback Braylon Wagner will need to stay out of trouble in the pocket and find ways to connect with his speedsters. The sophomore qb threw for 203 yards and 4 touchdowns last week. This team isn’t one dimensional. Drew Byers leads the ground game with 932 yards and 12 touchdowns.  On top of that, place kicker Owen Clouse has nailed a near perfect 61 of 62 PATs. Keeping the game plan they’ve used all year, a balanced attack, will be a key for the Bulldogs on offense.

Keys on Defense:

They’ll need to contain explosive plays. Fort Cherry can hit you from all over the field. RBV is facing a team with a big offensive line and a D1 recruit at quarterback that can beat you with his arm and his legs. Redbank will need to play disciplined football on defense and not give up the home run.

Quotes from Coach Gold:

This was expected for us. Anytime you have 16 players back you feel like you have a shot.  We felt confident that we could be the best in district 9. We also felt we’d play well with any d10 team too. But this is where competition goes up.  When James franklin lands on field you have a special player.  The quarterback is special. He’s going to try to beat you with his legs and in the air. In 1A football guys are usually one dimensional. We have to put them in situations where he’s uncomfortable.  They have big bodies that move well. That bodes well for them.  They moved well against a good South Side team. We have to do our best to control the line. We have to limit the damage and prevent the big plays. 

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