Results from Tippecanoe valley for Friday, August 30th
Death Valley Keeps the Bell for the 7th Straight Year
The 2024 edition of the annual Battle of the Bell had an epic tale of two halves to add to its chapter in the Death Valley – Rochester history book. Rochester started off the first quarter in full control as they quickly stopped the Vikings on their first drive and followed it up with a score. After an interception on the next drive, the Zebras took advantage and found the endzone once again to end the first quarter.
But that was all Rochester could muster in their quest to return the Bell to the black and white paint scheme. The Wrecking Crew defense did their job in the second quarter including a goal line stand. As the thunder and lightning began to roll in, Brandon Stiles was able to find the endzone at the end of the half followed by the PAT from Gage Overbey to make it 7-12 going into the locker room.
Halftime was extended for over an hour as the teams and fans waited out the area lightning. The Vikings made the proper adjustments needed to have complete control in the second half. The third quarters only score was thanks to Stiles off a 1 yard rush on a nice long drive. Stiles followed it up with the conversion. Valley had the lead 15-12 to end the 3rd.
The 4th quarter was a repeat of the 3rd as the Vikings put together a few more long drives which included a touchdown run from Wes Parker and the Overbey extra point to make the final score 22-12 and keep the Bell at Death Valley for the 7th straight year.
After a slow start on both sides of the ball, Valley pulled together to finshed the game strong. Offensively, the Vikings put up 297 yards on the ground and 15 through the air and achieved first down on 21 occasions. The Wrecking Crew did not let the Zebras early celebration last long and held Rochester to 110 rushing yards and 55 passing yards and only 9 first downs.
Next season Valley will look to defend the Bell for the 8th straight year. But next 365 days has some stops along the way. The next challenge for the Vikings comes in the form of the visting Hammond Morton Governors from Class 5A. Kickoff is set for 7 pm on Smith Bibler Memorial Field.
