Jimmies End Vikings’ SeasonAKRON – In the three previous sectional meetings, the Jimtown Jimmies outscored Tippecanoe Valley 160-25. With a chance to move on to the sectional championship, head football coach Steve Moriarity and his Vikings players wanted to erase those memories with a victory.
After four turnovers, Friday night would not be the night as Jimtown prevailed 27-6 over the Vikings at Smith-Bibler Memorial Field.
“That was just a very tough game for us,” said Moriarty. “Starting out the game with a turnover and trying to be aggressive and go deep, we just lost our footing.”
Jimtown outgained Valley 278-165, including 251 yards on the ground. Defensively, Dustin Whitman, Thad Pratt and Clay Campbell each recorded interceptions.
In their final game, senior Jaydin Conley led the team in rushing with 57 yards on 15 carries, and senior wide receiver Jalen Potter led the receiving corps with five receptions for 70 yards.
The Vikings paid for thier mistakes dearly, as Tanner Trippiedi has two of his passes intercepted early that put Jimtown in Valley territory. Jimtown opened the scoring with a pair of touchdowns from senior halfback Trey Washington and senior quarterback Clay Campbell.
“They are a very disciplined team. I’d say that’s the best team we have played all year,” said Moriarty. “I thought that we could hang with them, but I think their dominance and their discipline got to us.”
Junior halfback Ethan Devol scored twice for the Jimmies with runs of 18 and 51 yards to keep their lead for good. Devol finished his night with 17 carries for 126 yards.
Valley would prevent the shutout, as Trippiedi found junior wide receiver Jacob Davis open for a 16-yard touchdown.
After a late fumble recovery by junior linebacker Johnny Gonsalez, Valley had a chance to narrow the margin, but Trippiedi would have a pass tipped for a third interception to close out the game.
Tippecanoe Valley finishes the season 7-4, the most wins in a season since 2012.
Despite their loss, Moriarty reflected on a good season and the senior class that will be departing a team that has improved from a 2-8 season just two seasons ago.
“The Vikings will be here for a while,” said Moriarty. “We will keep reloading and get better. We do have a very bright junior high coming up.”
Jimtown next faces Mishawaka Marian, who were 42-20 victors over West Noble, in the sectional championship.
JM 14 7 0 6 -- 27
TV 0 0 0 6 -- 6
1st Quarter
JM - Trey Washington 3 run (Isaac Daniels kick is good) 4:45
JM – Clay Campbell 1 run (Isaac Daniels kick is good) 0:22
2nd Quarter
JM – Ethan Devol 18 run (Isaac Daniels kick is good) 3:31
3rd Quarter
No scoring
4th Quarter
JM – Ethan Devol 51 run (Isaac Daniels kick is no good) 11:52
TV - Tanner Trippiedi 16 pass to Jacob Davis (2 pt attempt no good) 4:03
