(Spring Cove 32, Penns Valley 0)
Jr. Dragons Dominate Penns Valley
The Spring Cove Jr Dragon’s needed just 8 second into their opening contest to set the tone for the game and hopefully set the tone for the year. Adam Kreider returned the opening kickoff 80 yards for the first score of the game, with Jeremy Colbert adding the extra point, the Jr Dragons lead 7 – 0 (just eight seconds into the game).
Spring Cove’s defense held the Jr. Rams to one first down on their opening possession before forcing them to punt. But with a bad snap and intense pressure, the Rams were not able to get the kick off and Jr. Dragons took possession near mid-field.
Spring’s Cove’s opening possession of the year lasted four plays, and was capped when Eric Keefer took the hand-off off right tackle and sprinted in the endzone for a 34 yard touchdown run. The kick after failed but the Dragon’s lead 13 – 0.
The Jr. Dragon’s used a bend but don’t break defense all night, and on the next Ram’s possession, they gained a couple of first downs and drove into Dragon territory. This drive ended when the Dragon defense stiffened and held on a fourth and two conversion.
Spring Cove then went on a five play, 68 yard drive capped by Keefer again going off tackle for a 36 yard touchdown run. The kick again failed but the Dragon’s increase their lead to 19 – 0.
The Ram’s next possession ended when Ryan Sheeder forced a fumble and Brandon Lechner returned the fumble to the Ram’s 36 yard line. On the very next play, Keefer took the toss and went 36 yards for his third touchdown of the night. The two-point conversion try failed but the Dragon’s again increased their lead to 25 – 0.
The Ram’s were able to mount their most significant drive of the half on their next series, but it ended when Pat Schon made a key interception on the Dragon’s own 31 yard line. Yet again on the very next play, Keefer took the handoff and went off-tackle and down the sideline for his fourth touchdown of the night, which went for 69 yards. Colbert converted the kick and the Dragon’s held a 32-0 half-time lead.
In the second half, both teams utilized their time to get many of their players into the game. Jerron Knisely, Mike Wilt and Sheeder shared the running back duties for the Dragon’s to combine for 57 yards rushing. Brandon Myers made a key interception to keep the Rams off the score board and secure the shutout.
“What a great start,” stated coach Kitt. “To start the game the way Kreider did, then the way we played so physical on both sides of the line of scrimmage, what a great start. Keefer had an unbelievable night (five carries for 165 yards), but we had other players like Ben Leberfinger and Lucas Blattenberger playing so intensely on defense and Brandon Smith dominating the line on both sides of the ball. This was a total team effort especially in obtaining a shutout.”
The Spring Cove Jr. Dragons will try to keep their momentum going when they take on Indian Valley next Thursday at 4:00 pm. in Lewistown.