7th-8th Grade Football Team Downs Redbank Valley (10/07/14)

(By Coach Jesse Quinn)

On Wednesday, October 1st, the Clarion Area Jr High Bobcats traveled to New Bethlehem to take on the previously undefeated Redbank Valley Bulldogs.

We talked briefly in the end zone after the game and I told them how very proud of them I was, not for winning the game, but for stepping up and responding to a challenge that was put before them. I always have coached with a very high energy and passion. I am very proud of they way your boys handled themselves and overcame some adversity in the game.

The Clarion Bobcats walked into the Bulldog Staduim and handed Redbank its first loss of the season. Logan Minich got the Cats on the scoreboard with a nice 60 years touchdown run. The line opened a hole and the front side of the line crushed their opponents as Logan cut back against the grain to raced to the end zone. Kyle Katis hit Drew Wrhen for the two point conversion. Drew did a nice job of concentrating on the ball as it was tipped. Drew hauled in the ball and the Cats were up 8-0.

Redbank countered with a touchdown of their own. I really let one of the boys have it for letting the quarterback get outside him… but after watching the film, he was being cut which is actually illegal and should have been called. After talking to the head referee, the call was made in the second half. The “D” stepped up and kept the Dogs out of the end zone on the 2 point conversion. We were ahead 8-6 at that point. But late in the second quarter, with only 1 minute left, the Bulldogs struck again. This time on a long pass from the quarterback #9 to a very good wide receiver #81. I don’t have their names, but they should be recognized for their efforts! Again the boys kept them from scoring the 2 point conversion. The score at half time was 12-8.

Deferring the ball until the second half was the best decision the boys made. After a stern conversation at halftime, the boys came to life and drove the ball right down the throats of the Bulldogs! Logan Minich again punched it in and we were up 14-12. After a very aggressive performance on defense we got the ball back and went right down the field! What an incredible job done by the offensive line, fullback and wide receivers as Logan Minich, for the third time found the end zone! Jacob Burns found the end zone for the all important 2 point conversion and the Cats were ahead 22-12.

The Bulldogs were not done, however. The connection again was #9 to #81! For the third time in the game the Cats held tough and denied the Bulldogs the 2 point conversion! The score ended Bobcats 22 and the Bulldogs 20!

Their coaches were very complimentary to such players as Mikie Andrews, Ethan Remick, Logan and Sam Minich, as well as much of the defense!

Our next contest will be October 8th at Punxy! The game will start at 4 pm. Hope to see you there.

(Thanks to Coach Quinn for this article. Way to go, Cats!!!!)