WEST ALEXANDRIA — Coming off a game where it scored 45 points, Twin Valley South’s football team managed just two first-half points Friday, Sept. 22, in its game with visiting Mississinawa Valley.
But the Panthers, who trailed 6-2 at halftime, were able to do just enough in the second half and rallied for its second straight win, 18-6.
The Blackhawks only score of the night came early in the first quarter after an interception by Max Dirmeyer put the ball on the 14-yard line of South. Nate Gladdish punched the ball in from 1-yard out to give MV a first quarter lead.
South’s first points of the game came via a bad snap on a punt attempt.
The Panthers then took advantage of a few MV miscues in the third quarter to cut their deficit to 6-4.
On the ensuing possession, after receiving the kick, Twin Valley South, which had been having success running between the tackles, went to the air for a 28-yard touchdown pass from Cade Cottingim to Chandler Napier for its first lead of the night.
But Mississinawa had another opportunity in the second half. Billy Bridges recovered a fumble for the Blackhawks which resulted in good field position deep in Panther territory.
MV moved the ball and seemed ready to advance for their second score of the night, but a fumble on third down ended the drive.
South’s strategy was to grind down the Blackhawk defense by pounding the ball inside. And the Blackhawks seemed to have no answer after that fumble, as the Panthers methodically chewed up yardage and clock in the fourth quarter. South controlled the ball until Ryan Bassler scored on a 5-yard run with about four minutes left.
Mississinawa Valley managed to get the ball inside the TVS 20-yard line on its next possession, but on fourth down the Hawks were stopped just short of the 3-yard line to end any chance of a comeback.
With the win, South improved to 2-3 overall and 2-1 in the Cross County Conference.
The Panthers will travel to CCC newcomer Fort Loramie on Friday, Sept. 29. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.
