Union/A-C Valley wins close game over Smethport, advances in playoffs
RIMERSBURG — Friday's District 9 Class 1A semifinal came down to Smethport's offense against Union/A-C Valley's defense for one final round.
Trailing by six points, the Hubbers forced a punt and took over at their own 33-yard line with 2:51 left in the game.
A pass interference penalty against the Falcon Knights moved the ball to just shy of midfield, and that's when Union/A-C Valley dropped the hammer on Smethport's hopes of reaching next week's title game.
On first down, Landon Chalmers and Colton Murray combined on a sack of quarterback Noah Lent.
On 3rd-and-12 from the 48, the Falcon Knights' pass rush flushed Lent out of the pocket to his left. As he neared the sideline, he threw a pass that was intercepted by Dawson Camper, sealing a 14-8 victory for Union/A-C Valley at Vidunas Stadium.
“We've counted on our defense to come up with big stops all year,” said Union/A-C Valley coach Brad Dittman. “We were confident that we'd come up with one there.
“We've dropped a ton of interceptions this season, but didn't drop one tonight.”
The Falcon Knights (9-2) picked off three of Lent's passes, while they had just one turnover themselves, prompting Dittman to say: “We won the turnover battle in a tight game.”
But just as important as the play against the pass was the Falcon Knights' stinginess versus the run. Lent averaged 173 yards rushing per game this season, but was bogged down by a spirited effort from the host's front seven.
Before gaining 25 yards on a carry late in the third quarter, Lent had just 22 yards on 11 attempts. He finished the game with 18 carries for 63 yards.
“We were looking for Lent on every play,” said junior defensive lineman Mikey Card. “We knew he was their biggest threat on offense.”
The Falcon Knights will face rival Redbank Valley, which defeated Port Allegany 35-14, in the District 9 championship game at a date, time and site to be determined.
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