Spartans Look Strong In Homecoming Win
Germantown, OH (October 1, 2004) It didn't take Valley View long to make things happen this week. Maybe it was the Homecoming atmosphere. Or maybe, they were just trying to silence some of the area's armchair quarterbacks. Whatever the reason, it didn't take long to tell the Milton-Union Bulldogs that they were in for a radically different Valley View team.
On the Bulldogs opening possesion, Trey Weidle intercepted a Mitchell Evans' pass and ran it back to the 24-yard line, where on the Spartans first play from scrimmage, Curtis Moore scored the first of his three touchdowns, giving the Spartans a 7-0 lead. Even more importantly, it appeared to give them a must needed boost of confidence that continued throughout the remainder of the game.
"They seemed to have a lot of fun tonight," commented Coach Jay Niswonger. And it showed throughout the 52-7 shellacking handed down by the boys in blue.
QB Blake Newsock showed remarkable poise and confidence on his way to a three-TD performance, including a stellar run for a touchdown that should quash even the most vocal of critics.
The fun wasn't only reserved for the offense. The special teams and defense had some merriment of their own. On a questionable Bulldog punt, with 5-seconds remaining in the first half, Lucas Kramer got some scoring action when he returned the kick for a Spartan TD that propped up the lead, 27-0.
In addition to squelching the Bulldog's QB, the defense effectively shutdown Milton-Union's only real threat, RB Stefan Deeter. Deeter played last season at Troy Christian. The former Eagle's only success came during the Bulldogs lone scoring drive early in the fourth quarter when the Spartan linebackers experienced a minor lapse in tackling prowess.
The Spartans face a week off before traveling to Eaton where they begin their final journey in search of a 13th consecutive playoff bid. The off-week is a result of Preble Shawnee's cancellation of all fall sports programs when their school levy failed in the August special election.
"We could use the time to get healthy. There are a few guys that are dinged up," noted Niswonger
Eaton's only real test has been Brookville, losing in a high scoring affair, 40-42. The Spartans came from behind to beat the Blue Devils, 23-13. Eaton's opponents in 2004 have a combined 8-14 record.
While the Spartans will be resting, the Eagles will face their toughest challenge to date against Bellbrook, when they come to visit this Friday. The Eagles could weather some battle scars during that encounter that could provide the Spartans with an edge when they meet the following week.
Eaton graduated 18 seniors in 2003, most of whom played. For the first time Eaton coach Ron Neanen will play two-platoon football , with only a rare exception such as WR-DB Chad Norton who goes both ways. Eight seniors return from last years 7-3 team, led by Norton and RB Manfred Schreyer, a sprinter who averaged nine yards per carry. The Eagles three losses came from Bellbrook, Valley View and Oakwood, all playoff candidates last year.
This season Eaton has wins over Oxford Talawanda (1-5), Dixie (2-3), Carlisle (2-3), and Northridge (0-5). They will have everyone watching this week to see how they fare against Bellbrook a team that has comeback with four straight wins after two overtime loses to start the season.
