Log in Subscribe
Rotten Groton

Section IV champs spoil Tri-Valley Regional championship dreams

Anthony Morgano
Posted 11/22/22

SPACKENKILL – Tri-Valley’s football season has finally drawn to a close. After winning the Section IX 8-man championship against Spackenkill last weekend, the Bears returned to the home …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in
Rotten Groton

Section IV champs spoil Tri-Valley Regional championship dreams

Posted

SPACKENKILL – Tri-Valley’s football season has finally drawn to a close. After winning the Section IX 8-man championship against Spackenkill last weekend, the Bears returned to the home of the Spartans to take on the Section IV champs, the 10-0 Groton Indians. The Bears faced their toughest test of the year, and lost 58-30 against their Section IV opponents.

“Our main goal was to win the section, and we did that,” Coach Kevin Crudele said. “The guys worked hard all year and didn’t quit, even when we were down big at the half.”

Groton’s offensive prowess was on full display on Saturday, scoring on all but one possession in the game. The Bears, worn out from their three tough playoff games, started a bit flat, scoring just one time in the first half.

The Indians put up 46 points in the first two quarters, with Ben DeMatteo (4) and Austin Hunt (2) combining for six first half touchdowns.

Tri-Valley’s lone first half touchdown was scored by Austin Hartman, and at the break it was 46-8, but the Bears showed off the no-quit attitude that Coach Crudele has praised all season long.

Tri-Valley received the ball to start the second half and opened with a touchown run by Dylan Poley, followed by a 2-point conversion by Hartman.

The Bears and Indians would exchange scoring drives throughout the second half, but Tri-Valley outscored Groton 22-12 in the second half.

“Our mentality propelled us in the second half,” Crudele said. “We ran more misdirections, the guys didn’t quit and it showed.”

Tri-Valley rushed for 309 yards, while Grotton accumulated 433.

Penalties bit both teams, as the two schools combined for 17 penalties for 145 yards.

Hartman scored twice, Poley scored once and Ian Mullen added a TD for Tri-Valley. 

“The guys did a great job all season long. The players grew and helped to propel the program,” Crudele said. “Their goal was to leave a lasting impression, and I think they did that.”

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here