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Valley had to win and Holtville had to lose to keep the Rams playoff hopes alive. Valley beat No. 2 ranked Beauregard 28-0.

“For our kids to lose twice in overtime they come out and play tonight…That’s a testament to how our kids play,” said Adam Hunter, the Rams’ head coach. “They could have easily folded this game, but they came out and really dominated.”

Valley’s defense proved impenetrable in the first half. Beauregard didn’t have an answer against the pass rush.

After giving the offense the ball, the Rams inched down the field thanks to the powerful runs by Tilyn. After getting in the red zone Valley was facing fourth down. Quarterback Caden Foreman scrambled outside the pocket and found EJ McCullough near the pylon. A diving catch put Valley on the board with five minutes left in the first.

Once again the defense stopped any Hornet progress. It didn’t take as long for Valley to score this time. Tilyn took the ball 70 yards to the house, putting an exclamation on the first quarter.

Beauregard gave the defense a little more trouble in the second quarter. A long drive culminated in a pass over the top to the end zone. Fortunately for Valley, a penalty sent them back without points.

Foreman looked sharp, switching things up during a season that has been run-heavy for the Rams. He threw a bomb downfield, finding Galvin Goss, the usual starting QB, in the midfield. Another pass to Malachi McCullough got the ball inside the 20 with a minute left in the half. A pass to the back of the end zone was caught by Tykelvin Carrell. However, his landing foot was inches outside. The half ended 16-0.

The game settled down in the third quarter, with both teams matching turnover for turnover until Beauregard threw downfield only to have Goss intercept it and run it back to the Rams’ 40-yard-line.

The fourth quarter starts with a bang, a beautifully orchestrated reverse handoff to Zan Woody sees him speed down the sideline, helping Valley widen the gap to 22-0. 

The Ram’s defense was just as effective in the second half. The following drive saw several hits in the backfield and a sack by Antwan Greenwood and Antron Lloyd.

The offense wasn’t done either. A couple of physical runs by Tilyn saw the running back in the end zone once again. 

Beauregard looked like they would score a consolation touchdown until Nikelen Linson nabbed the ball and ran it back before getting pushed into an excited sideline.

That would put the game to bed, Valley shutting out a powerhouse at home, 28-0. 

Sadly, Holtville would go on to beat Maryville to secure their spot as the No. 4 seed and knock Valley out of postseason contention. Valley had to win and Holtville had to lose. Valley won. 

When asked what he was going to tell his player after the win, Hunter replied, “Just how proud I am.”