Site last updated: Friday, December 6, 2024

Log In

Reset Password
MENU
Butler County's great daily newspaper

WPIAL football: Central Valley shuts down Amos Glenn, Freeport in Class 3A quarterfinals

CENTER TWP, Beaver County — The big offensive plays that were such an important part of Freeport football’s season vanished during the first three quarters against Central Valley on Friday.

The Yellowjackets found that simply gaining positive yards against the host Warriors was too tall of a task on most plays. Over the first two quarters, Freeport had 22 offensive snaps for minus-4 yards.

In contrast, the Warriors’ powerful ground game chewed up yards in bunches, totaling 307 rushing yards, as Central Valley scored a 35-7 WPIAL Class 3A quarterfinal victory.

Freeport’s 1,000-yard running back Amos Glenn was completely shut down by the Warriors. The ‘Jackets tried running him inside and outside with no success. He finished the game with a single yard on 10 carries.

Related Article: WPIAL, District 9 football playoffs: Schedule, scoreboard, updates from Butler County games Related Article: WPIAL, District 9 football playoffs: See photos from Freeport, Mars, North Catholic, Seneca Valley Related Article: Freeport football RB Amos Glenn dismantles Valley with 6-touchdown performance
Freeport senior offensive lineman Hunter Lang (76) embraces teammate Camden Schlegel (14) after Freeport’s 35-7 loss to Central Valley in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at Central Valley High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

“It can’t be just one or two guys on defense,” CV coach Mark Lyons said. “It has to be a team effort.”

Only a 39-yard pass from Drew Ross to Danny King early in the fourth quarter allowed Freeport (8-4) to avoid being shut out.

“Central Valley dominated us up front and gave us trouble all night long,” ‘Jackets coach John Gaillot said.

That control of the line of scrimmage was also prevalent with the Warriors on offense.

Jance Henry scored the first of his two rushing touchdowns late in the first quarter for the game’s initial score.

Mason Dixon rumbled for two touchdowns (35 and 26 yards) in the second period, and the Warriors led 21-0 at the break.

Freeport quarterback Danny King runs the ball and is the only player to score a touchdown against Central Valley during a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at Central Valley High School. Central Valley won 35-7. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

“We thought we could be physical on the line, and we like the 1-2 punch we have with Mason and Jance,” Lyons said.

Dixon ran for 189 yards on just 14 carries.

“Their rushing attack was more unbelievable than it was on film,” Gaillot said. “They have some very talented young men.”

Freeport’s frustration hit its peak in the second quarter. The ‘Jackets, trailing 14-0, took over on their own 42-yard line when Cole Troutman recovered Henry’s fumble. After a short run by Glenn, Freeport was whistled for back-to-back false start penalties.

The Warriors (6-5) were flagged for roughing the passer on a second-and-19, handing Freeport a first down.

But the ‘Jackets were pushed back 5 yards over the next three plays and had to punt.

Freeport's Judah Thompson throws a pass during a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game against Central Valley on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at Central Valley High School. Central Valley won 35-7. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Related Article: PIAA district high school football playoffs: Meet the X-factors for each Butler County team Related Article: How Mars’ offensive line bonded, grew stronger at Primanti Bros. this season: ‘They eat together’

Their next possession began at CV’s 41, but Tyler Ondrusek sacked Ross for a 12-yard loss to foil that series.

It was that kind of night for Freeport, but one that does not spoil the team’s overall effort this season.

Freeport went 3-7 and missed the playoffs last year.

“I could not be more proud of this team,” Gaillot said. “Nobody picked us to do anything this year ... 5-5 was the (predicted) record I saw, and we won a playoff game.

“I am sad for our seniors, but excited for the future because we have a lot coming back.”

Freeport 0 0 0 7 — 7

Central Valley 7 14 7 7 — 35

First Quarter

CV — Jance Henry 7 run (Domenic Pratt kick), 1:51

Second Quarter

CV — Mason Dixon 35 run (Pratt kick), 9:31

CV — Dixon 26 run (Pratt kick), 1:17

Third Quarter

CV — Steven Rutherford 7 run (Pratt kick), 6:42

Fourth Quarter

CV — Henry 13 run (Pratt kick), 11:21

F — Danny King 39 pass from Drew Ross (Judah Thompson kick), 9:00

Individual Statistics

Rushing: Freeport, Amos Glenn 10-1, Drew Ross 8-(-17), Cole Troutman 0-3, TEAM 1-(-4). Central Valley, Steven Rutherford 6-1, Mason Dixon 14-189, Jance Henry 13-87, Aaron Lawson 2-13, Ethan Ondrusek 4-17, Braddock Ambrose 2-(-4).

Passing: Freeport, Drew Ross 11-20-147-0, Judah Thompson 0-1-0-0. Central Valley, Steven Rutherford 4-7-64-0, Braddock Ambrose 2-2-25-0.

Receiving: Freeport, Danny King 3-77, Amos Glenn 1-9, Madden Wisniewski 4-30, Sean Selinger 3-31. Central Valley, Jaiden Underwood 2-20, Quinn Connolly 1-13, Ethan Shearer 1-18, Aaron Lawson 1-21, Lukas Gerovac 1-17.

More in Sports

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS