Spartans Take Fifth Straight From Franklin
Germantown, OH (August 22, 2003) Despite 19 penalties for over 200 yards, the Valley View Spartans handed the Franklin Wildcats their fifth defeat in as many meetings, 48 -6. The Cats scored their only touchdown, with :11 left on the clock, against a largely freshman-laden third team.
The Spartans senior tailback, Brock Bolen, rushed for 179 yards to become Valley View's career rushing leader with 3,714 yards. Bolen's eight carries were good even for 4 TDs including a 55-yarder on the third play of the game that gave Valley View the only points they really needed.
Penalties aside, the Spartans were able to amass 333 yards of first half offensive for Coach Niswonger enroute to a 35-0 half-time lead.
Offensively the Spartans haven't missed a beat, running the infamous no-huddle they successfully execute throughout the 2002 season. QB Teddy Buehner was on target completing 7 of 8 passes including a pair to converted OL Ryan Clark and sr. WR, Ross Peters that set up two of Bolen's TDs. Clark's addition on offense has provided Niswonger with an added dimension to an already potent offense.
The young Spartan defense had trouble finding consistentency as demonstrated by the number of penalties they attracted against the Cats. Mental errors plagued the Spartans with numerous face mask, holding, and pass interference calls repeatedly gave Franklin excellent field position. Fortunately for the Spartans, the Wildcats failed to capitalize on any of the opportunities.
Week Two's matchup pitts Valley View against Div. I opponent Troy, a 33-7 loser against Xenia in week one. The Trojans attempt to halt their losing seasons at two, finishing a mere 3-7 in 2002. It was only the third losing season in Coach Steve Nolan's 19 years.
The Trojan-Spartan match-up will be the home opener for Troy in their newly renovated Memorial Stadium. The renovation includes a remodeling of the interior of the home stands, upgrading utilities, adding new restrooms, two new locker rooms and improving the facade.
Troy's defense is highlighted by linebackers Adam Bornhorst and Todd Denlinger along with a speedy secondary. Bornhorst and Denlinger also do double duty as running backs. Buehner and company will need come up a notch in the passing game as compared to Franklin.
The Troy offense boasts returning sr. Matt Lucas at QB. Lucas likes to throw to sr. WR Andrew Gray, although look for Coach Nolan to try and open the offense up. The Trojan offensive line is relatively new after losses of three all-conference players, giving the small but speedy Spartan defense some potential opportunities.
Our prediction wizard played it a little too conservative in week one with a 31-7 prognostication. Now that he's seen the high-scoring Spartan offense is still here, he's got to be thinking differently.
This could be a big win for the almost D-IV team over the perinneal D-I goliath. We think they're going to score quick and score often. If the defense can limit the penalties, it should be an interesting result. We'll at least score as many points as Xenia, so let's hang our hat on a 42-7 outcome, Spartans.
Need directions to Troy Memorial Stadium? FROM I-75 ... Use EXIT 74 (TROY). Turn RIGHT at the exit. The light at I-75 will be the first light and then turn left at the 7th light (Adams St.). Continue straight on Adams St. and you will cross a concrete bridge and come to a 4-way stop. FROM THE 4-WAY STOP....turn RIGHT onto Staunton Rd. About 1/4 mile on Staunton Rd. you will see Troy Stadium on you RIGHT. There is parking from Adams St. up to the stadium.
