Valley Forge Uses Wild Comeback To Top Rocky River 30-29

Just like opening a gift on Christmas Eve, Christmas came early for Friday Night Lights fans – as The Valley Forge Patriots welcomed The Rocky River Pirates to Byers Field for a Thursday Night special.

Though the atmosphere remained the same despite the day, the start was not so special for the home team Patriots. Despite receiving the kick to start the game, a three and out set the opposing Pirates up for their first drive, and eventually score, of the game.

Set up in their own territory, the away team had no issues driving the length of the field. Thanks to Pirates QB Braeden Spies ability to push the ball down field through the air and receivers Hueler and Lange ability to get separation, the visiting Pirates looked to jump enemy ship early. Now in Valley Forge territory, Spies did it once more with his arm, connecting with Lange on a 15 yard TD. After the extra-point from Massad, it was 7-0.

The Pirates weren’t done pillaging just yet, though – as a fumble from Patriots QB Ryan Frye set up the Swashbucklers for another score – which they did, quickly. Set up in enemy waters, Spies proved he has more tools than his arm – as he dashed, spun and tumbled his way for a 14 yard TD rush. Another extra-point by Massad put the Pirates up 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.

A Patriots drive to start the second quarter lasted almost the whole quarter. After already converting one fourth down in Pirates territory, the Patriots were set up for another. Unfortunately, a loss of one resulted in the opposition having an opportunity to drive the field again.

Thanks to dynamic plays from the Bebie Bro’s Tommy and John, the Pirates took no time to execute. Set up by a 23 yard connection from Spies to Tommy Bebie and 26 yard rush from John Bebie, it was John Bebie getting the hand-off again for a four yard score. An extra-point by Massad set the Pirates up in a wonderful position going into halftime – 21-0.

Out of halftime, the Pirates fizzled a bit as they failed to convert on third down. Looking to take advantage, the Valley Forge running duo of Kentrell Marks and Eddie Starks ate up the defense. Set up in Pirate waters, Frye tossed a four yard TD off a option to Justin Mansu – bringing their deficit to 21-6.

On the Pirates next drive, they failed to convert yet again – thanks to a strong defensive front from the home team.

Only a few plays into their drive and in their own territory, RB Kentrell Marks decided to put things into his own hands, as he outran the entire Pirates defense for an electrifying 57 yard TD run. A successful two point conversion cut the score even closer, 21-14.

Momentum continued to be in the Patriots favor after scoring 14 unanswered leading up to the fourth quarter. Thanks to another strong defensive stand by the home battalion, they were set up to tie the game or take the lead.

Unlike many of their drives, the Patriots took barely any time off the clock on this one. Not much time was needed, however, as Marks ran in another big 27 yard TD. Only down one, the home team took a chance and went for two to take the lead. Their conversion from Starks was successful.  After scoring 22 unanswered points, the Patriots now lead 22-21.

The Pirates did not want their plunder to end, as they unsheathed their swords to finally fight back in the second half. Down for the first time this game, Spies and the Pirates offense had their backs against the wall. Another big 36 yard rush from Tommy Bebie set up a nine yard TD pass from Spies to Lange. The Pirates took the lead back, 29-22.

A questionable squib kick from the Pirates set the Patriots up in prime position at the 50 yard line. Thanks to the RB duo of Marks and Starks, the home team drove 50 yards to an eventual two yard TD run from Eddie Starks.

Decision time. Down one with only a minute left, the Patriots had to choose – go for the extra point and tie it up or go for two to take the lead. A crafty end around play to Marks ended up being the choice – one that paid off putting them in the lead once again, 30-29 Patriots.

Hail Mary attempts out of the Pirates were not enough on their next drive. The comeback was complete for the Valley Forge Patriots – one of the best high school football games you will see this year if not this decade.

Player of The Game:

Valley Forge: Kentrell Marks 148 Yards 2 TDs