Spartans fall short in shootout

Quick-strike Wildcats score early and often to oust Valley View.

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By Rick Cassano, Staff Writer 1:18 AM Sunday, November 8, 2009

KENTON — In the end, Valley View High School’s football team didn’t have quite enough bullets to win its playoff shootout.

Kenton’s Robinson Field was heaven for fans of the forward pass Saturday night, Nov. 7, as the squads combined for more than 100 throws in a three-hour Division IV, Region 16 quarterfinal.

The Spartans’ Kyle Pohl was 38-of-58 for 307 yards and three touchdowns, but Valley View’s season came to an end as sophomore Maty Mauk led the Wildcats to a 46-27 triumph.

“It’s frustrating, but I feel like I learned a lot today,” said Pohl, a junior. “I wanted this game bad. I tried to make it happen, but they’re a great team.”

Pohl connected with Justin Griffiths for two scores and Brandon Fox for one, but the Spartans (7-4) played from behind all night after Kenton’s Max Morrison returned the opening kickoff 83 yards for a touchdown.

Mauk, the state’s No. 1 quarterback statistically, completed 32-of-53 passes for 385 yards and five TDs. He also threw for four conversions and added a two-point run.

“Obviously they’ve got Peyton Manning and Fran Tarkenton all rolled into one player, but I’m not going to trade my guy — no way,” Valley View coach Jay Niswonger said. “We thought we could get outside on them, and we though we could throw. Kyle did a great job.”

The Wildcats (10-1) don’t like to waste time or scoring opportunities. They use a no-huddle offense that gives the opposing defense little time to breathe. Kenton doesn’t bother with extra-point kicks either, opting to go for two after every touchdown.

“We try to play a long game and get up and down the field,” said Wildcats coach Mike Mauk, whose team led 14-0 in the first three minutes. “We try to utilize as much of our players’ talents as we can.”

Griffiths had 17 catches for 205 yards for Valley View. Pohl said he’s never thrown 58 passes in a game before, but he wasn’t complaining.

“When I’m playing, I can do about anything,” Pohl said. “I’d throw a million times to make plays. I love it.”

Niswonger said he’s proud of what his young squad achieved in 2009.

“Nobody thought we’d win five games this year,” Niswonger said. “This is one of the best groups I’ve had as far as working together.”

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