SVHS defeats Winfield

SPRING VALLEY -- Spring Valley entered its contest with Winfield having already punched its ticket into the postseason.

Facing a team whose season is ending is usually dangerous, a classic trap game for Spring Valley.

But, Spring Valley prevailed easily Friday night, defeating Winfield, 34-13.

"We came out flat last week against Nitro and we talked about that all week," Spring Valley head coach Brad Dingess said. "Still I thought we came out flat early, but we played well at the end of the ball game."

Winfield had opportunities to stay in contention.

Just before halftime, trailing 20-6, Winfield had the ball first-and-goal at the Timberwolves' 2-yard line. However, Spring Valley shut the Generals down on four consecutive plays, ending Winfield's hope to sneak back into the ball game.

The second half was all Spring Valley.

After a Winfield fumble, the Timberwolves drove 79 yards and Dane Niday finished with a 1-yard touchdown to put the game it out of reach.

Second-half play by Spring Valley backup quarterback Cam Roam was a highlight. Roam, who was out because of an injury for half of the season, completed 5 of 7 passes for 79 yards.

The sophomore's play could add another weapon to the Timberwolves' arsenal in the playoffs.

"I thought Cam grew up and played exceptionally well tonight," Dingess said. "We are going to mix it up a bit, probably our best receiver is (starting quarterback) Eric Slayton. There were some times when we go spread we might throw Cam in there."

Spring Valley finished the regular season 9-1 in its first nine-win season.

"That is huge," Dingess said. "When we took over this program last season we had won 12 ball games in four years. We have preached to our players about dedication in the weight room and they have bought into the system. Did I think we would go 9-1 in our second season, probably not. It goes to show they hard work the kids have and the great coaching staff I have underneath me."

Spring Valley reached the playoffs last season, Dingess hopes that experience will benefit his team.

"Most of these kids started last year," he said. "They were kind of green when we played last year so now they know a little bit of what to expect. We are probably going to pick up the intensity of practice this week and work on our fundamentals."

The Timberwolves' Anthony Evans ran 7 times for 52 yards with a touchdown. Zach Wellman had 10 carries for 50 yards and a touchdown.

The Generals' Josh Clark ran 14 times for 64 yards.

WINFIELD 0 6 0 7 -- 13

SPRING VALLEY 13 7 7 7 -- 34

SV -- Evans 3 run (Hayton kick)

SV -- Wellman 4 run (kick blocked)

W -- Campbell 37 pass from Miller (kick blocked)

SV -- Slayton 13 run (Hayton kick)

SV -- Niday 1 run (Hayton kick)

SV -- Niday 15 run (Hayton kick)

W -- Lewis 1 run (Wilton kick)

W SV

First Downs 16 17

Total Yds 281 354

Rushes-Yds 34-158 44-243

Passing yds 123 111

Penalties-yds 2-20 6-60

Punts 2 2

Fumbles-lost 2-1 1-0

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING -- Winfield: Clark 14-64, Lewis 6-44, Mullins 3-17, Gaydosz 5-15, Kincaid 1-12, Miller 3-4, Campbell 2-2. Spring Valley: Evans 7-52, Wellman 10-50, Niday 7-46, Stewart 4-37, Slayton 5-19, J. Marshall 2-17, Robertson 5-10, C. Marshall 1-10, Roam 3-2.

PASSING -- Winfield: Miller 5-17-2-81, Clark 1-1-0-42. Spring Valley: Roam 5-7-0-69, Evans 2-2-0-42, Slayton 0-1-0-0.

RECEIVING -- Winfield: Kincaid 3-70, Campbell 2-46, Mullins 1-7. Spring Valley: Slayton 3-20, Evans 2-41, Lindsey 1-39, Wellman 1-11.