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ROCHESTER – While recent years have told us that football conferences and the teams that occupy them don’t last forever, one fact that remains about the sport is that rivalries certainly do.
This was evident Friday night as a capacity crowd watched Tippecanoe Valley and Rochester battle in the Bell Game for the first time since Valley’s departure from the Three Rivers Conference. After starting a bit sluggish, the Vikings turned it on to the tune of 39 straight points, earning a 39-8 victory and keeping the Bell in Akron.
“We really worked this week in practice to get the offense going, especially heading to face a team like Rochester,” Valley head coach Steve Moriarty said. “I think overall we played a hard- nosed team that reminds us of us. The worst part about the Bell Game is having to wait a year to defend it.”
The Vikings began the game with the ball and, after a poor kick from Rochester, some great starting field position. Just two yards shy of the 50, Valley got down to work quickly, with quarterback Cody Eastgate finding his tight end Landon Durkes for a quality gain. The Vikings would continue moving the chains off of the back of running back Nate Parker, who started much more quickly than last week with some impactful carries.
It would all be for naught, however. Nearing the red zone, Eastgate would make his only big mistake of the game, throwing into double coverage, resulting in an interception. The Zebras would take advantage of the opportunity, methodically going to work with the running game and wearing down the Valley defense. Grady Moriarty was everywhere for the Vikings on this opening drive, making four tackles on the possession.
Tippy Valley had the opportunity to get off the field with the Zebras going for it on 4th and two near midfield. For the first time in the game though, some sloppiness would seep through. The Vikings would jump offsides, giving their rivals a free first down, which was all the home side needed. A few plays later on third and long, Senior Alex Deming would break free for a 43-yard score. The ensuing two-point conversion would be good, giving the Zebras an 8-0 lead halfway through the first quarter.
Looking to jump on the visitors, Rochester attempted an onside kick after the score. Valley would recover, giving the Vikings great starting field position once again. This time, the visitors would not squander the opportunity. Facing a third and long of his own. Eastgate stayed poised in the pocket despite pressure, escaping and uncorking a moon-shot pass to senior Wade Jones for a 37-yard score. Tippy Valley would tie the game moments later, making the score 8-8 with three and a half minutes left in the first.
Senior Wade Jones of Tippecanoe Valley pulls in a pass for a 36-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter of Friday night's game at Rochester. Photo by Gary Nieter
