The Williams Valley Vikings took a commanding 33-0 victory over the Marian Catholic Colts Friday evening.
Entering the game with a 6-1 record, the Vikings showed why they are the current 1st seed in their district, keeping Marian Catholic scoreless throughout the game.
The Marian Catholic Colts, who came into the matchup with a 4-3 record and clinging to hopes of making the District XI Class 1A playoffs, struggled to find any rhythm offensively. Williams Valley’s defense was suffocating, and their offense consistently found the end zone.
First Half Dominance
Williams Valley wasted no time asserting their dominance. With just under three minutes left in the first quarter, quarterback Brady Shomper connected with wide receiver Evan Achenbach on a 32-yard touchdown pass. Sage Smeltz added the extra point, giving the Vikings a 7-0 lead.
The Vikings struck again early in the second quarter when Shomper found Achenbach on a deep 60-yard touchdown pass, though the two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, extending the lead to 13-0.
As the clock ticked down in the second quarter, Williams Valley's running game got involved. With 4:09 remaining, Fletcher Thompson capped off a strong drive with a 10-yard touchdown run. Smeltz’s extra point was good, making it 20-0 in favor of the Vikings.
Marian Catholic's defense managed a glimmer of hope with an interception late in the second quarter, but the Colts couldn’t capitalize, heading into halftime down 20-0.
Vikings Continue to Roll in the Second Half
Williams Valley picked up right where they left off after the break. With 8:53 remaining in the third quarter, Thompson added his second touchdown of the night, this time on a 5-yard run. Smeltz once again split the uprights, pushing the score to 27-0.
The Vikings' defense was just as relentless as their offense, with Trevon Bair securing an interception late in the third quarter, stalling a Marian Catholic drive and keeping the momentum firmly with Williams Valley.
Just seconds into the fourth quarter, Williams Valley delivered the final blow. Running back Blazer Lords broke free for a 70-yard touchdown run, though the extra point was missed, giving the Vikings a 33-0 lead that would stand as the final score.
Looking Ahead
The loss drops Marian Catholic to 4-4 on the season, putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy. The Colts will need a strong finish as they prepare to host Pine Grove next week for their senior night before facing Nativity BVM in their regular-season finale.
Williams Valley, now 7-1, will host Shenandoah Valley next week for their own senior night. With their place in the district playoffs already secure, they will look to finish the regular season strong when they travel to Pine Grove for their final game.
