Despite falling behind in the opening quarter, a sizable eruption that began late in the first half and continued after the break propelled Williams Valley to a 28-13 triumph over backyard playmate Tri-Valley in the District 11 Class 1A title game. Just two weeks earlier, Tim Savage’s Vikings (9-2) were blanked at home 14-0 as Tri-Valley clinched the Colonial-Schuylkill Blue Division crown and the top seed in the playoffs.
As for last weekend, Isaac Whiteash tossed touchdown passes to Brady Evans (6-108) and Hunter Wolfgang while Alex Achenbach added 117 rushing yards and one score to Williams Valley’s tally. Achenbach also hooked up with Evans for a 58-yard TD pass via a halfback option pass and swiped one Tri-Valley toss before his night came to a close and the Vikes locked up their Friday date with Old Forge at Dunmore High School. Inside linebacker Jackson Yoder had a big outing as well, totaling 13 tackles, one stop for loss and one sack as the Vikes limited Tri-Valley to just 25 rushing yards.
While Williams Valley was busy sidelining Tri-Valley, Old Forge (10-0) claimed District 1-2 regional honors by dismantling Belmont Charter 55-14. Hezekiah Deitz, QB James Sobol and Casey Holzman shared nearly 300 rushing yards and four touchdowns as the District 2 champs led from opening whistle to final horn. Sobol also completed six of his 10 pass attempts for 101 yards and touchdowns to Andrew Bartnikowski and Mario Samony.
Deitz is the top rusher for the Blue Devils, averaging nearly 10 yards per pop while gaining 727 yards and scoring nine times. Lots of balance in the ground game, but Sobol has thrown for 1,338 yards and 17 scores while completing 74 of his 99 pass attempts. He’s been picked off once. So, the Williams Valley defense will be tested by the Blue Devils. Yet should the Vikes advance, they’ll collide with undefeated Canton or pass-happy Steel-High in next weekend’s quarterfinals.
