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Belle Vernon’s defense holds strong, defeats Central Valley in nailbiter 23-17

Tagged under: District 7, Gameday Hub, News, pfn

| September 7, 2024

On the opening drive of the game, Belle Vernon finished with a 21-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Curtis Wade to make it 7-0 halfway through the first quarter.

After a quick possession by Central Valley, Belle Vernon marched their way into Central Valley territory but failed to score after a 50-yard field goal attempt missed in the final minute of the first quarter.

Central Valley quickly responded on the first play of the second quarter thanks to a 59-yard rushing touchdown by running back Jance Henry to tie the game at seven. On the very next play, Belle Vernon kick returner Kole Doppelheuer takes it in for a 96-yard kick return. Central Valley blocked the extra point to keep it a 13-7 game. Central Valley responds on their next possession thanks to a one-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Steven Rutherford to give Central Valley a 14-13 lead.

Belle Vernon attempted another field goal late in the second quarter, but the kick was blocked by Central Valley to keep their one-point lead heading into halftime.

Central Valley started with possession to start the second half. But was intercepted early by Kole Doppelheuer to give Belle Vernon excellent field position to start the third quarter. Belle Vernon finished their drive with a 33-yard field goal by Preston Rathway to give Belle Vernon a 16-14 lead halfway through the third quarter. Bell Vernon did not go away taking the ball the whole way to the Central Valley two-yard line to end the third quarter.

Belle Vernon opened the fourth quarter with a two-yard rushing touchdown by Anthony Cruz to give Belle Vernon a 23-14 lead. Central Valley quickly punted the ball to Belle Vernon a few minutes later, but Belle Vernon fumbled the punt, and it went right back to Central Valley with 8:09 left to go.

Central Valley finished their drive with a 35-yard field goal by kicker Domenic Pratt to make it a six-point game with just over six minutes to play. Central Valley’s defense stood strong and forced a punt with a few minutes left. Belle Vernon’s defense stopped a hot Central Valley offense that quickly took the ball deep into Belle Vernon territory and forced a turnover on downs with 37.2 seconds left to go. Belle Vernon killed the rest of the clock and escaped with a 23-17 victory over Central Valley.

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