Valencia Vikings 13, West Ranch Wildcats 0
Against perhaps their toughest opponent yet, your Wildcats were shut out for the first time all season in a hard-fought loss to league-leader Valencia Friday.
Defensively, West Ranch held the powerful Valencia offense (who had defeated Hart 34-0 the week prior) to a mere 13 points despite many Valencia possessions.
Like so many of our other games, we remained in the game until very late in the fourth quarter, staying within one score for nearly the whole contest.
We were unable to produce much offense, though we did drive the football a little bit here and there. Valencia's tough defensive front proved too much for our boys in the trenches, and we were not able to connect in the air as much as we needed to. We pulled out every idea we had, both in practice and in the game, and "emptied the gun" so to speak. Although this was not the result we wanted, I have no doubt all involved gave all they could.
As many of you know, we were playing with several players out for one reason or another, and their replacements stepped up to the challenege and exceeded our expectations. We could not be prouder of our young men who contributed to the game, either on the field, on the practice field, or on the sidelines (and, for that matter, we are grateful for the support we receive in the stands and at home: we know that some of us are being supported by parts as distant as Ohio, and it means a lot to us). These boys left their hearts on the field and played as best they could.
We have one week remaining, and that week will determine if we have a winning season (6-4) or not (5-5). We must continue to improve and play sharp, disciplined football.
Next week: Golden Valley (season ender)!
Defensively, West Ranch held the powerful Valencia offense (who had defeated Hart 34-0 the week prior) to a mere 13 points despite many Valencia possessions.
Like so many of our other games, we remained in the game until very late in the fourth quarter, staying within one score for nearly the whole contest.
We were unable to produce much offense, though we did drive the football a little bit here and there. Valencia's tough defensive front proved too much for our boys in the trenches, and we were not able to connect in the air as much as we needed to. We pulled out every idea we had, both in practice and in the game, and "emptied the gun" so to speak. Although this was not the result we wanted, I have no doubt all involved gave all they could.
As many of you know, we were playing with several players out for one reason or another, and their replacements stepped up to the challenege and exceeded our expectations. We could not be prouder of our young men who contributed to the game, either on the field, on the practice field, or on the sidelines (and, for that matter, we are grateful for the support we receive in the stands and at home: we know that some of us are being supported by parts as distant as Ohio, and it means a lot to us). These boys left their hearts on the field and played as best they could.
We have one week remaining, and that week will determine if we have a winning season (6-4) or not (5-5). We must continue to improve and play sharp, disciplined football.
Next week: Golden Valley (season ender)!
