Eagle Valley spoils Summit County homecoming Friday
rleonhart@vaildaily.com
SUMMIT COUNTY — The Devils escaped with a 10-0 win at Summit County on Friday night in a 3A Slope conference game.
The Eagle Valley defense came up big all game, allowing only seven first downs through four quarters. The biggest stop likely came after the Tigers blocked a Devils’ punt in the fourth quarter. Summit was trailing 3-0 at the time, and returned it 5 yards from the end zone with a chance to take the lead with a touchdown. Instead, four plays later, the Devils offense was strolling out after a four-and-out by the defense.
With momentum from the defensive stand, the Devils offense finally cracked the Tigers defense for the big play in the fourth quarter. Junior Kyle Williams broke a 26-yard touchdown run with just more than four minutes remaining to secure the two-possession lead.
Matthew Sanchez and Anthony Valdez picked off the Tigers quarterback on Summit’s final two drives of the game, securing victory.
The defense was led by seniors Bryce Muehlethaler and Juan Toscano up front as well as juniors Trever LaFramboise and Noah Hermosillo, who intercepted the Tigers quarterback in the first quarter. The Devils defense played smart and disciplined against the deceptive offense of the Tigers all game, maintaining the shutout.
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CHANCES FOR EAGLE VALLEY
The Devils had multiple opportunities to score throughout the game. The passing game was set up nicely by strong running out of the backfield by senior Jay Neal and Williams.
Threatening to score in the first quarter, Devils quarterback Garrett Martin threw an interception on Summit’s 15-yard line, taking away any shot at points.
With 1:26 left in the half, the Tigers fumbled a pitch on third-and-12 and the Devils recovered on Summit’s 29-yard line. A 14-yard run on first down by Neal set up a first down in the red zone for the Devils and a chance to put points on the board before half.
On the following play, Martin snapped the ball, turned around and looked left and then right only to see both backs had split. Trying to make something out of nothing, Martin fumbled and the Tigers took over with just over a minute left in the half.
Then, early in the third quarter and still tied 0-0, the Devils had first and goal on the 9-yard line. Without finding pay dirt on the first three downs, Eagle Valley lined up to kick a field goal to break the scoreless tie, but the 32-yard kick was blocked by the Tigers.
The Devils (4-1, 1-1) are 3-0 on the road this season and next host Glenwood Springs on Friday for homecoming.
Reporter Ross Leonhart can be reached at rleonhart@vaildaily.com and 970-748-2922.