Sixth Time's A Charm
Franklin, OH (August 27, 2004) It was tough defensive play by the Spartans that forced four fumbles to lead Valley View to a 27-0 shutout of the Franklin Wildcats.
The Spartan offense took advantage of three turnovers in the first half for scores and a 68-yard scamper by Curtis Moore in the opening drive of the third quarter to provide all the offense Valley View would need.
Valley View missed an opportunity when it failed to convert on fourth and inches at the Franklin goal line to stop a 66-yard offensive effort, but two plays later the Wildcats coughed up the football on the 14-yard line and the Spartans drove three plays for their first score of the evening.
It was the sixth times in as many meetings that Valley View has downed the Wildcats in the opening game of the season. The sixth and last time. Franklin has opted out of the series in favor of a less competitive effort. The Spartans are still looking for two open dates on the 2005 schedule.
Quarterback Blake Newsock, who has stood in the shadow of standout Teddy Buehner for two years, threw for 104 yards including a 22-yard pass to offensive workhorse, Curtis Moore, for a touchdown with only one interception. On the ground the Spartans rushed for 255-yards, averaging over 7-yards per carry. Big plays by the Wildcat defense helped stop potential scoring drives keeping the tally to a four TD advantage.
The most encouraging numbers come from the defensive side of the ball where the Spartans held the Wildcats to only four first downs, 62-yards rushing and 103-yards of total offense.
The Spartans return home Friday to take on the Cincinnati Jacobs Sharks. Jacobs lost to North College Hill in Week One, 33-0. The Sharks finished the 2003 season 7-2 and ranked sixth in region 20 only to fall to Ridgedale (9-3) in the opening round of the playoffs, 43-6.
As the season progresses, the Spartans offensive line needs to improve the time they provide QB Newsock and his cast of running backs to develop plays in the backfield. The Spartans will also need to keep the penalty count out of double-digit range. The ten they sustained against Franklin in Week One killed scoring drives that could be extremely important during Weeks Seven, Eight, and Nine.
Spartans 35, Sharks 0
