Ridgewood Sneaks Away From Indian Valley, Continues Historic Regular Season Winning Streak
By: Joe Collins, Payton Brooker
Posted on:
GNADENHUTTEN, Ohio (WOUB) — The Ridgewood Generals traveled to Indian Valley looking for their 28th consecutive regular season win, determined to lock their place into a Inter Valley Conference championship.
Ridgewood would be the first ones to strike, as their kicker Andy Troyer would a hit 21-yard field goal to put the Generals on the board first. These would be only points put on the board in the first quarter, as both Indian Valley’s and Ridgewood’s defenses wouldn’t let a drive end with points on the board, including one drive that ended in an interception by Generals senior Xavier Lamneck.
The first touchdown of the game wouldn’t happen until late in the 2nd quarter, as Kauelun Smith would squeeze in a 4-yard touchdown to put the score at 10-0 at halftime. Before halftime though, Xavier Lamneck would pick up his 2nd interception of the game for the Generals to keep Indian Valley’s offense in check.
Near the end of 3rd quarter, Ridewood quarterback Gabe Tingle scrambles and throws the ball towards the end zone. He finds Kigenn Millender on a tipped pass for a 27-yard touchdown to put the score at 17-0 going into the 4th quarter.
Indian Valley’s running back Gavin Henry would lead the team to 2 touchdowns in the 4th quarter to keep the Braves’ hopes alive, but their efforts came up just short, as the Generals would stay alive with a final score of 17-14.
Ridgewood made a statement on both sides of the ball with their strong senior core.
“This group of 18 seniors has been through a lot, and we’ve stepped up to be the leaders of this team,” senior Kigenn Millender said.
Ridgewood Head Coach John Slusser explained what this 28th win meant to him and his strong Ridgewood team.
“It’s hard to win 28 games in a row. It is hard to be perfect every Friday night and not make a single mistake. We have battled through a lot this year and this team keeps on going. I am proud of these kids for that.”
The Ridgewood Generals will try to make it 29 games in a row when they go on the road against Claymont. Meanwhile, the Indian Valley Braves will try to bounce back from this close loss when they travel to Tuscarawas Valley.