by Parma, OH – The Valley Forge Patriots held off the visiting Garfield Heights Bulldogs with a 28-12 victory on Friday night.
Valley Forge opened the game with a strong first series. Marching the ball all the way down the field, led by seniors Ben Farson and Nick Mankins. After several strong carries with the ball, the Patriots found themselves on the 1-yard line, where Cam Wadsworth would punch the ball in for the opening touchdown.
Garfield Heights waited no time to answer back with a play of their own, as senior Da’Ronn Black returned the kickoff for a huge gain of 48 yards. However, the Bulldogs could not carry momentum and were forced into a 4th down.
Midway through the 2nd, Valley Forge found themselves in excellent field position as they were approaching the red zone. Senior quarterback Dan Kiewel connected with Mankins for a 12-yard pickup, where Garfield Heights would then force a fumble on the catch, but Farson would recover the ball in the endzone to secure a Patriot touchdown.
Nearing the end of the first half, Valley Forge would find themselves once again inching towards the redzone. The Bulldogs defense stepped up one they needed to and forced a fumble on the run, which was recovered by Garfield Heights senior Namir McDonald.
The Patriots would start the second half with a strong showing on defense, forcing the Bulldogs into a 4th down situation. The energy from the defense would carry over to the Patriot offense, as their strong run game continued. The Patriots would find themselves once again in the red zone, where Mankins would score on a 2-yard touchdown run.
Garfield Heights found spark within the offense as they exploded with two 20+ yard runs from Sophomore quarterback Neghal Pickett. The Bulldogs would finish off a strong offensive showing with a 2-yard touchdown run to score their first points of the game.
The Bulldog’s would pick up right where they left off, forcing the ball down the field, where they would find themselves in a 1st and goal position. Pickett would cap off a strong showing on offense with a short 1-yard touchdown run, trying to bring life back into the Bulldog team. As the Patriots took possession, Farson would respond with a monstruous 51-yard touchdown run to help cushion the lead.
Garfield Heights would run out of time on the clock and Valley Forge was able to hold on for a 28-12 victory.
Valley Forge was led by seniors Nick Mankins and Ben Farson. Mankins ran for 100 yards, on 17 carries, and recorded 1 touchdown. Farson ran for 105 yards, on 9 carries, and recorded 2 touchdowns.
Player of the Game: Valley Forge senior Ben Farson.
