Spartans Defense Records Second Shutout
Germantown, OH (September 4, 2004) When you first glanced at the scoreboard last night, the score was in line with the typical performance of a Spartans football team; 37-0. The results on the field gave a different impression.
The Spartan defense however continued to control the route to victory, leaving their opponents with goose eggs on their side of the scoreboard for the second consecutive game.
"Our defense is carrying us," Coach Jay Niswonger said.
The Sharks just couldn't sink their teeth into the Spartans' end zone, failing to even come close until the final four minutes of the game. The blue-blooded team took advantage of several opportunities they had to score but then failed on several other occasions.
It didn't start off well for Valley View when a Blake Newsock pass was intercepted during their first possession. The defense would soon regain the ball, allowing the rookie quarterback to lead the way to the Spartans first touchdown, with 3:16 remaining in the first quarter.
Curtis Moore led things off with back-to-back runs that moved the Spartans 22 yards. Lucas Kramer ran for an additional six yards to put the Spartans at Jacobs 15. And then it was all Moore as he slipped through the wide holes in the Sharks defense for the score.
Boyd cleared the posts a feat he would continue to do so for the remainder of the game.
Although the Spartans' offense eventually put a lot of points on the board, Niswonger is still relying on his defense to guide the way through the rest of this season's games while he waits on his offense to arrive.
"I think we took a step back tonight offensively. Our defense is just doing outstanding," Niswonger mentioned.
It's a new kind of game this year. The defense is so strong while the offense is battling to gain yards. But, although they battled tonight, they took care of the capturing another victory.
"It's a good game whenever you win," Niswonger noted.
The second touchdown came from some big passes by Newsock that helped move the Spartans closer to the Shark's side of the ocean. Mitch Howard grabbed the first fireball for 24 yards that moved the Spartans to Jacob's 36 yard-line The next pass was a short throw to Lucas Kramer that gave them a first and two, before Moore cruised through the Sharks, on the next play, and pushed his way to the end zone.
Howard took control of the Sharks next possession with an interception that landed the Spartans on Jacob's 14. Back-to-back runs by Robby Cottingim for 13 yards gave Newsock the chance to finish the job with a one yard run (7:25 remaining before the half).
Boyd put the ensuing kickoff only 12 yards out of the Sharks end zone and the Spartan defense did exactly what they will soon become known for, forcing their opponents back and into the endzone, scoring two points for the safety. The score became 23-0 with still 6:12 remaining in the second quarter.
Time seemed to move in seconds rather than minutes during the second half as flags flowered the field, a repeat of the many first-half occurances . The Sharks attempt to sink their teeth into our beloved Spartans brought a flurry of illegal procedure calls that slowed the game immeasurably. Despite the flags and the seemingly endless parade of injured Jacob players, Valley View weaved together a methodic series of plays to up the score, 30-0.
Trey Weidle provided a surged energy in the stands when his punt return into the end zone provided the final blow, making the score 37-0.
The defense did their job, while the offense did what they needed to do, score. Niswonger is obviously looking for more improvement offensively and from special teams, but he can't complain about a win.
"They have not improved much (the special teams), but all together we made a lot of things happen tonight, like the punt return," Niswonger said.
Valley View faces its first real challenge of the young season next Friday when they host the undeafted Fairborn Skyhawks in week three. Fairborn defeated Beavercreek in week two, 39-14 to remain in the unbeaten ranks and stand at seventh in the unofficial Region Four D.I rankings.
Fairborn's wide-open offense features senior QB Nico Yantko who distributes to a variety of receivers or can take off running. In the opening-night win over Tecumseh, Yantko had a hand in every TD for the Skyhawks, throwing for two and running for three. He completed 13 of 20 for 212 yards while gaining 124 yards on 14 carries.
The entire offense centers on their star QB. To take full advantage of his considerable talents, the Skyhawks have abandoned the I-formation in favor of a spread. The Spartan defense will be looking at the shotgun almost all evening.
Valley View should be able to stack up to the Skyhawks defensively, but offensively the Spartans will need to show more grace, poise, and composure. Newsock has got to slow down those happy feet, settle into the pocket and make the pass. Kramer, Howard, Cottingim will make the catch. The Spartans will need to have consistent third-down conversions and flawless execution.
Week Three will be a big test. We have to give the advantage to the home team and go with the Spartans, 21-13.
