1A Six Man

Week Eleven 1A Team of the Week: Valley Patriots

by
Adam Ogburn
November 12

1A Team of the Week: Valley Patriots

It was a winner-take-all special in Petersburg last Friday. There was just one playoff spot remaining in District 5-1A Division I with both Valley and Petersburg looking to secure it with a win.

After 20 minutes of play though, Petersburg had Valley on the ropes up 28-14. The Patriots headed into halftime looking to regroup.

“Both the Offensive (Stuart Smith) and Defensive (Aaron Green) coordinators did an outstanding job of adjusting at halftime,” Valley head coach Crocket Gillmore said. “The team understood the adjustments. Pursuit and tackling was better on defense. Blocking was better on offense, it was a good team effort and our depth was able to show up. Especially in the second half.”

That improvement showed on the scoreboard too as the defense pitched a shutout after the interval and the offense came to life as Valley raced back for a 36-28 victory.

Gillmore said his four running backs finished with 297 yards and four touchdowns. He credited guard Eric Petitt and center Tailor Green for providing running lanes all night long.

Quarterback Carson Tucker made plays when called upon. He completed five of his eight passes for 92 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Petitt and Green showed why they are team captains. Petitt had 13 tackles and two forced fumbles, while Green had 12 tackles and a pass break up.

Tucker and Damian Valdez each had six tackles, while Grayson Marks had a “critical interception.” Marks was also vital on special teams, converting three of his four PATs.

Now with last week behind them, the Patriots are looking forward to their bi-district showdown against Knox City in Chillicothe this Friday.

“All our focus is on Knox City,” Gillmore said. “I’m proud of these men and getting this far they have come a long way since August. They earned this opportunity.”