The South Conquers the North in the Ninth Annual District 9 Frank Varischetti All-Star Game

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Phil Myers | June 28, 2024

Photos Bob Parana

Twins Owen and Mason Clouse of Redbank Valley led the South over the North in the 9^th annual Frank Varischetti All-Star game by defeating them 20-0.  The game was held at Frank Varischetti Field in Brockway last night before a packed house.  Owen was the South offensive MVP and Mason was the South defensive MVP.

Ironically, Mason was one of Redbank’s offensive stars during the season as a wide receiver and quarterbacked a game for the Bulldogs when their QB was injured, while Owen was the kicker and played mostly defense for RBV.  But when South quarterback Charlie Krug of Brookville couldn’t play, Redbank’s coach Blane Gold told the South’s coach Todd Smith of Keystone to use Owen.  “When I found out I was pretty excited,” said Owen.  He completed 11 of 16 passes for 190 yards and rushed 8 yards for a touchdown in the 4^th quarter to put the icing on the cake for the South.  He did throw an interception.

The game was a contrast in styles as it pitted the South’s passing game against the North’s running game.  Both teams’ line played well on both sides of the ball, but the South’s defense was stellar and shut down the North’s ability to run. That was a big factor in the game.  The North’s defense played well too, forcing a couple of turnovers, but the talented wide receivers of the South were able to get open and Owen Clouse made some nice throws to keep drives alive.  Mason Clouse caught 4 of his brother’s 11 completions for 86 yards.

The game’s first score came with one second left in the opening quarter when Mason Clouse took a handoff from Owen and dashed 7 yards to pay dirt.  That capped a 55-yard 5-play drive that included a 37-yard pass from Clouse to Clouse.  Owen’s PAT made it 7-0 and that would turn out to be enough to win the game.

The South’s second score came in quarter number two when Landon Martz of Punxsutawney plunged in from a yard out with 4:36 left.  That drive was a 6-play 60-yard effort by the winning team.  The key play in that possession was a 31-yard pass to Garrett Nissel of DuBois.  The point after was wide and the South led 13-0, a lead they carried into the intermission.

The North threatened to score as they traversed 53 yards in 13 plays but were turned away on 4^th down on the last play of the half at the South 10-yard line.  The North also had good field position to begin the second half at the 50 but penalties and the South’s defense pushed them back 19 yards before they punted.

The lone touchdown in the second half came with 2:45 left in the game.  After the North turned the ball over on downs, the South drove 39 yards in 6 plays.  That is when Owen Clouse scrambled in from the 8 after looking to throw, then subsequently seeing a giant hole open up in front of him.  His PAT set the final score at 20-0.

Coach Smith said this about the Clouse twins, “they’re both super athletes and they’re smart kids.  Owen looked like a QB tonight.  He threw some wonderful passes.  He stepped up and did it.”  Coach Smith also stated that he told the kids before the defensive MVP was handed out that they played so well, it could be anyone.  It just so happened it was Mason Clouse.

Peyton Stiles of Port Allegany was the North’s offensive MVP as he rushed 7 times for 35 yards.  Mason Sheeley of St. Marys was the North’s defensive MVP as he was in on numerous tackles for his team.  Both Stiles and Sheeley were smiles after the game, even though their team lost because they said they just had a lot of fun playing football with acquaintances they’ve made over the years.

Coach Smith added these comments, “I’ve coached in all-star games before but never as a head coach.  It was an amazing experience.  The kids were wonderful all week.  There were relationships made.  I told them, they’re connected to me now.  If they ever need anything I’m here for them.”

For most of the young men playing in this game, it was the last time they will ever suit up as football players.  So, to don the uniform one more time and take the field as an all-star playing with and against District Nine’s best was memorable for sure.  As one young man said, “I’ve made some friends this week that may last a lifetime.”

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