Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Juniata Valley secured a dominant 44-22 win over Southern Huntingdon on Friday night, thanks to a second-half surge sparked by a refocused offensive line and key defensive plays.
Despite holding a two-score lead at halftime, the Green Hornet coaching staff was dissatisfied with the offensive line’s first-half performance. The halftime message was clear, and the line responded by opening up the ground game, leading to an all-but-one-pass second half.
The Green Hornets used their improved run game and timely defense to control the second half, eventually triggering a running clock late in the contest.
One of the key moments came early in the second half when Juniata Valley was forced to punt on their first drive. However, a fortunate break occurred when sophomore Gavin Smith recovered a muffed punt at the Southern Huntingdon 34-yard line. The Green Hornets capitalized with a 14-yard touchdown run by Bobby Hess, extending their lead.
Vincent Hoover, who struggled with just 28 yards in the first half, found success in the second behind the reinvigorated line. The senior finished with 114 yards on 27 carries and scored three touchdowns.
Dalton Weirich contributed two more touchdowns for Juniata Valley, one on a 76-yard punt return and another on a 61-yard interception return. Weirich also added a second interception.
Defensively, Juniata Valley forced five turnovers, including two fumbles and three interceptions. Four of the five turnovers led directly to touchdowns.
Quarterback Damian Williams threw for 106 yards, with Zach Dick grabbing three receptions for 84 yards and Jett Rand catching the other for 22 yards.
Juniata Valley will travel to Windber on Friday.
Records: Juniata Valley (4-5); Southern Huntingdon (1-8)
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