PATRIOTS ROLL OVER SWIFTS FOR BI-DISTRICT CROWN by Coach Ramsey
The Valley Patriots met the Nazareth Swifts this past Thursday in Lockney for a bi-district playoff game. Valley raced to a 38-0 first quarter lead, on their way to the convincing 66-8 win. The game was called at half due to the 45 point mercy rule.
Adrian Espinoza probably had his biggest game of the year, leading the Patriot rushing attack with 9 carries for 175 yards and 3 TDs. One of those TDs came on an electrifying 78 yard run. Ashton Barclay also had a great game with 7 carries for 123 yards and 2 TDs. Jayton Smith chipped in 4 carries for 17 yards and 1 TD. He also threw some key lead blocks for the other backs. Juan Villarreal also joined the action with 5 carries for 34 yards and a TD. Zack Stumbo only threw the ball one time, but he made it count. He connected with Germain Mendoza on the first drive of the game on a 49 yard scoring strike. Ashton Barclay also had a touchdown pass on an 8 yard scoring strike to Jake Merrell. Barclay was also dominant on the defensive side of the ball, with several early big hits and tackles for losses. The Swarming Valley defense never let the Swifts establish any type of offensive rhythm.
The victory propels the Patriots into the next round of the playoffs, where they will face a familiar opponent, the Borden County Coyotes. Valley and Borden County have faced each other for 5 consecutive years now in the playoffs. Borden County comes into the game undefeated on the year, and ranked number 1 in some of the polls. The game will be playedFriday evening in Lockney, Tx at 7 pm. Valley will be the home team, so we need Patriot Nation to fill the stands with red, white, and blue and cheer our boys on to a big playoff win! Your support will be greatly appreciated!! Go Blue!!