Valley / Rule

By
September 10, 2006

The game of the week as picked by SMC was a contest between Valley, ranked # 4 in last weeks SMC Top Ten poll and the # 5 ranked Rule Bobcats. The game was played at Valley. Don’t try to find that on the map. It isn’t there. The school is actually located about half way between Turkey and Quitaque. It is 180 plus miles North from Abilene.

Some folks recognize the school as Turkey Valley. That upsets some people. Well at least one. I told that person that I would honor their wish and refer to the school as only Valley. The same person invited me to come to the game and to see all of the trophies the school has won over the years. I accepted the invitation. Actually, I was going even without the kind invitation. Very impressive athletic record. I have some pictures you can look at if you wish located at http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/sixmancentral/ .

Regardless of what Valley has done in the past, Friday night’s game belonged to Rule. The Bobcats received the opening kickoff. After a penalty, Rule began their first drive of the season from their own 10 yard line. The results were a 70 yard drive for a TD. Most of the yardage on that drive came through the air.. The TD came with 7:30 left in the first quarter. Rule missed their point after try and led 6-0. The teams then traded a couple of possessions.

Valley got its first score on a 4 yard run with 4:47 left in the second quarter and converted on a pass to take the lead 7-6. It appeared this game would be a defensive battle all night long. Valley scored again with only 35 seconds left in the half and kicked on the pat to lead 15-6. Rule managed to come back with a score of their own on the final play of the first half but again failed to convert and still trailed by the score of 15-12. It was a great first half of Six-Man football..

Rule kicked off to start the third quarter by successfully recovering an onside kick. The ball was mishandled by Valley and Rule gained possession at their on 38 yard line. Just a couple of plays later, Rule was in the end zone again and converted the kick on the point after try and led 20-15.. Rule would go on to score three additional times but failing to convert the point after tries twice and successfully converting one on a pass. Valley was shut out the second half of play and the final score was 39 15. With the win, Rule is now 1-0 and Valley is now 1-1 after beating Calvert last week 36-34 at Hico.

Coach Reed of Rule felt like he saw some good things but also felt his team failed to play up to their potential. Overall he was happy and was glad to “take the win against a good Valley team“.

My observation is that even though the season is early, these two teams could very well meet again in the playoffs. Good Football to both teams. Valley plays their next game at home against Follett. That game will serve as the Patriot’s homecoming game. Rule will play Division II Moran for the Bobcats next game at Rule.

We will look at other scores on Monday.

Don Hardin
txsixii@yahoo.com

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