Ellwood’s Homecoming Game Recap and Gallery Photos

Scoring has been at a minimum for the Wolverines through the first half of the year.  That may be due to the fact that each opponent up till Friday night has been in the top half of their respectable division.  However, Valley seemed like a good opportunity to look for that first W on the season.

The first quarter of the game involved a “cat and mouse” battle between the Vikings and the Wolverines where both teams had the ball at least twice and were not able to do anything with the ball through the first quarter.

The second quarter has been trouble for the Wolverines, so was the same in this game – Valley tacked on two late second quarters scores – one by Chase Balla (PAT missed) and the other by Darius Johnson from a pass by Chase Balla (PAT pass good) – that made the score at half 14-0 Vikings.  [14-0 Valley]

The third quarter has been the best quarter for the Wolverines all year, so was in this game.  The Wolverines took the second half kickoff and was able to drive over 70 yards for a score, capped off by a 59 yard run by Toby Kelly.  The PAT kick was failed; 14-6 Valley headed to the final chapter.  [14-6 Valley]

The fourth quarter had the most drama where both teams had the ball early in the quarter and were not able to finish off their drives.  However, at the 3:11 mark, Ellwood was able to break through with a 54 yard touchdown pass by Jordan Recce to Luca Botti.  This set up a tying two point PAT attempt; however, the conversion was failed via the run.  [14-12 Valley]

Just after Ellwood had scored, Valley answered right back with a score by Deonte Ross from Brayden Simpson on a crucial third down play.  Although the game seemed out of reach, Ellwood still had life after a big block on the extra point, making the score 20-12 Valley with 2:12 left.  [20-12 Valley]

After the Vikings score, Ellwood had a chance to try to tie the game with two minutes left.  Ellwood was able to get across the 50 yard line where three straight passes were incomplete, setting up 4th and long.  Jordan Recce was able to get the 4th down pass off; however, once again the pass fell incomplete and the rest was history – the Vikings held on to the ball the last couple seconds to win the game 20-12.

Ellwood had finally been able to make the big plays in a game; however, they were just not able to make the score count when needed.  Next up for the Wolverines is a big offensive powerhouse in the Bobcats of Beaver, who suffered a demoralizing loss to Central Valley.  The game is on Saturday night at Beaver 7:30PM due to homecoming festivities for the Bobcats.

Photos provided by Shannon McClymonds