Published: October 31, 2009 11:38 pm      

Laurel Valley finishes year on positive note

NEW FLORENCE — Bryan Saxton ran for three touchdowns and Laurel Valley intercepted Blairsville quarterbacks four times in a 32-0 win to conclude its 2009 season.

“We’re not playoff bound, but it is a positive way to end the season,’’ said Laurel Valley coach Charles Nanassy.

“It came down to blocking and tackling. Today it all came together,’’ Nanassy added.

Nanassy was pleased to host a passing offense in the final game of the season due to the rainy conditions and poor field conditions. In the process, the Rams managed to capitalize with their biggest win of the season.

For the Bobcats, the end came with much frustration.

“Turnovers and penalties were the difference today,’’ said Ab Dettore, Blairsville’s coach. “This game sums up how we played all season. There’s no excuse for poor tackling and not being aggressive.”

Blairsville looked to strike first in the contest.

Bobcats starting quarterback Scott Harsh connected with Andy Kurnocik on several key plays into Rams territory. On fourth down, however, within scoring range Harsh was picked by Charles Miller and Laurel Valley began at its own 28.

A couple of plays into the Rams possession, running back Kegan Hall found an opening through the left side of the line and scampered

40 yards to the Blairsville 30-yard line. Miller and Clayton Nanassy each carried for Laurel Valley before Saxton scored to open the second quarter from 15 yards out. The point-after attempt failed but the Rams had a 6-0 advantage.

Midway through the second quarter, Harsh threw his second pick of the game. This time the ball slipped from his palm moving forward due to the conditions and was intercepted by Hall, who returned the ball 30 yards for the touchdown. The two-point try failed and the Rams were up 12-0 with 6:22 left in the first half.

On Blairsville’s opening possession of the second half, the Bobcats’ attempt to punt turned into a broken play, and the Rams took over 30 yards from the end zone. Following a 15-yard run by Hall, Saxton scored his second touchdown, again from 15 yards out. The two-point run failed but Laurel Valley extended its lead to 18-0 with 10:21 left in the third quarter.

On his fifth carry of the game, Saxton scored his third touchdown of the afternoon. Breaking through the Blairsville line, Saxton ran 55 yards to finish with 95 yards in the contest. Adam Miller connected with Charles Miller for a two-point pass play and the lead moved to 26-0.

With 7:32 left in the fourth, the Rams added on to their lead. Adam Miller hit Eric Bucklen in the near corner of the end zone. The two-point attempt failed.