CENTRAL VALLEY SNEAKS PAST FITCH

AUSTINTOWN, OH- In a thrilling and high-scoring football showdown, the Central Valley Vikings clashed with the Austintown Fitch Falcons, with the Central Valley Vikings emerging as the victors in a nail-biting 36-35 final score. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with explosive plays and last-minute heroics- which was a perfect setting for the stage it was on.

The first quarter began with a strong statement from the Central Valley Vikings as Steven Rutherford, their quarterback, orchestrated an impressive 15-play, 80-yard drive that culminated in a 5-yard touchdown run by Rutherford himself. With 6 minutes and 20 seconds on the clock, Central Valley took the early lead at 7-0.

However, the Austintown Fitch Falcons quickly answered back with a dynamic play from Davion Pritchard, who returned a kick 86 yards for a touchdown. Despite the missed PAT, Fitch closed the gap to 7-6 with 6 minutes and 8 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

As the game progressed to the second quarter, DJ Williams of the Fitch Falcons showcased his skills with a 4-yard touchdown run at the 8-minute and 35-second mark, propelling Fitch into a 13-7 lead. The Falcons extended their advantage when Deon’Dray Richard executed a 35-yard touchdown run, widening the gap to 20-7 with 4 minutes and 47 seconds left in the quarter.

The third quarter saw a resurgence from the Central Valley Vikings. Jance Henry powered through for a 2-yard touchdown run, bringing Central Valley’s deficit to 20-14 with 7 minutes and 1 second remaining. DJ Williams of the Fitch Falcons continued to be a force to be reckoned with, scoring a 21-yard touchdown run and extending Fitch’s lead to 27-14 with just 1 minute and 40 seconds on the clock. However, Steven Rutherford of Central Valley responded with a 29-yard touchdown run as the quarter ended, narrowing the gap to 27-21.

The final quarter was an absolute thriller. DJ Williams of the Fitch Falcons struck again, this time with a 15-yard touchdown run followed by a successful 2-point pass to Allen Hill Jr. Fitch took a 35-21 lead with 8 minutes and 16 seconds left on the clock. Not to be outdone, Mason Dixon of the Central Valley Vikings sprinted for a 69-yard touchdown run, inching Central Valley closer at 35-28 with 7 minutes and 56 seconds remaining.

With the clock winding down, Steven Rutherford led a remarkable 17-play, 80-yard drive for the Central Valley Vikings. In the final 14 seconds of the game, Rutherford connected with Quinn Connolly for a 14-yard touchdown pass. A 2-point conversion run by Mason Dixon sealed the deal, propelling the Central Valley Vikings to a dramatic 36-35 victory.

Fitch drops to 1-1 and will take on Canton Glenoak next week.