Py Valley holds off YCS for 30-23 win

By Jon Moffett

The two teams finished as co-champions of the East Suburban Conference.

CANFIELD — Fans who paid admission to enter Bob Dove field in Canfield got their money’s worth Saturday.

In true Week 10 fashion, the Youngstown Christian High football team hosted Pymatuning Valley in a close game which came down to the very end.

After trailing 30-15, Youngstown Christian managed to score and bring the game with seven points with a few minutes left.

But the Eagles couldn’t overcome a strong effort by the Lakers defense and were defeated, 30-23. Pymatuning Valley and Youngstown Christian finish the season as East Suburban Conference as co-champions.

“We faced a lot of adversity tonight,” said Brian Marrow, head coach of Youngstown Christian. “My hat goes off to Pymatuning Valley, they just pounded us tonight.”

The pounding was led by quarterback Andrew Smith and running back Thomas Erwin. Both players finished with more than 100 yards rushing, with Smith gaining 143 yards on 25 carries and Erwin gaining 163 yards on 23 attempts.

Teammate Nick Marshall led the Lakers in rushing with 177 yards on 19 carries.

“We had guys in position,” Marrow said. “But they just made plays tonight.”

The Eagles (7-3) started the scoring in the first quarter with a 1-yard run by quarterback John Pecchia. Pymatuning Valley (6-4) answered with two scores in the first half on runs of 18 and one yards by Erwin and Smith, respectively.

The second half told the rest of the story for the teams’ fortunes.

Pymatuning Valley received the kick and drove down the field for a score. Smith added his second touchdown on the ground, an 8-yard run, to put the Lakers ahead 24-7.

The Eagles turned the ball over on a Pecchia interception. The Eagles ended the quarter on a positive note with a 35-yard touchdown pass from Pecchia to Victor Shaw.

The Lakers scored early in the fourth quarter on a 15-yard pass from Smith to Cody Mercer to put them ahead 30-15.

The Eagles showed fire as they quickly scored a touchdown of their own. Pecchia launched a 57-yard pass to receiver Pat Durkin. A two-point conversion run by Caleb Yanno brought Youngstown Christian within seven points.

Pymatuning Valley used their running game to eat away as much clock as possible, but were forced into a fouth-and-3 situation with 2:35 remaining. The Eagles stopped Smith and got possession. However, the Eagles were unable to move the ball, and Pecchia threw his third interception of the game. The Lakers took a couple of knees and walked away as winners.

“Our boys ran like studs tonight,” said Jason Root, head coach of the Lakers. “Our offensive line did a great job blocking tonight. We got into a comfort zone and tried to run the ball and run the clock.”

Both teams had their seasons end Saturday. The Lakers walked away with cheers and the Eagles remained on the field with tears.

Marrow said we was proud of his team for setting a school record with seven wins.

jmoffett@vindy.com