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Tri-Valley duels defending champs

Anthony Morgano
Posted 9/20/22

SPACKENKILL – Moral victories might not be tallied in the standings, but their impact is instrumental for a team building towards success. For the Bears, the close contest against the defending …

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Tri-Valley duels defending champs

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SPACKENKILL – Moral victories might not be tallied in the standings, but their impact is instrumental for a team building towards success. For the Bears, the close contest against the defending champion Spackenkill Spartans showed that they can hang with the best teams that the 8-man divisions have to offer. 

Tri-Valley opened the Friday evening game with the ball after Spackenkill won the toss and differed to the second half. Austin Hartman broke loose for a 57-yard touchdown just a few plays into the game, and the extra point by Zach Kataychik gave the Bears an early 7-0 lead. Spackenkill showed that they would not go quietly into the night, though, as they returned Kataychik’s kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown the very next play. After converting on the 2-point attempt, the Spartans took an early 8-7 lead.

With four and a half minutes to play in the second quarter, Spackenkill took to the air to complete a 19-yard touchdown pass, and the Spartans extended their lead to nine after the two point conversion.

Tri-Valley answered quickly before the break, with Hartman scampering to the endzone for a 30-yard rushing touchdown, his second of three on the day. Hartman converted on the 2-point conversion as well to cut the Spartans’ lead to one. 

Spackenkill closed out the half with another score, this time a 12-yard passing touchdown with three seconds left to give the Spartans a 24-15 advantage at the half.

Tri-Valley’s defense settled in for the second half, not allowing another point. With three and a half minutes remaining in the third quarter, Hartman crossed the goal line for the third time, this time a five yard rushing TD, Kataychik split the uprights to make it a two point game.

The Bears out gained the Spartans 254 to 221, averaging more than 2.5 yards more play than their opponents. Hartman attempted just one pass, an interception in the fourth quarter as the Bears attempted to mount a 2-minute drill. 

Ian Mullen forced fumbles on back-to-back plays, after Spackenkill recovered the first, Mullen told Coach Crudele that he was going to force another one. He did. And recovered it to boot.

Hartman totaled 223 yards and three touchdowns, bringing his total to six through the first two games.

The Bears enter week 3 at 1-1, and head to Ellenville to kick off divisional play next weekend.

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