Young Bears team experiences growth through 2024 season

Published by admin on Wed, 11/20/2024 - 9:12am

By:

Mark Schafer

The News-Review

NORTH ENGLISH – The record wasn’t what they wanted, but the lessons from the season will help carry them in the next few years.

Going into the 2024 football season the English Valleys football team knew they were likely going to experience a bit of a learning curve. A total of six seniors were listed on the roster.

English Valleys used this season as a bit of a growth year, and the Bears battled in all nine of their games, finishing the season with a 1-8 overall record.

The Bears started their season with a road game against Calamus-Wheatland, falling 46-6 in that contest.

In their home opener the Bears erased a 13-0 halftime deficit with a 14-point third quarter. Midland would score a touchdown in the final frame to lift them to a narrow 19-14 victory.

The following week the Bears would score their first victory on the year. The week three, 44-26 victory over HLV was highlighted with the first three quarters each producing two touchdowns each.

The Bears were back on the road the following week, falling to Iowa Valley 70-16. After hosting Winfield-Mount Union in a 60-18 setback, the Bears were back on the road for a week six game against Colo-Nesco.

Despite scoring 12 points in the final frame the Bears were downed 42-20 by Colo-Nesco. In week seven the Bears fell 60-12 at home to WACO. The next week English Valleys went on the road to play New London, but fell 56-22.

In the final week of the season English Valleys hosted Easton Valley, falling 66-8.

Stat leaders: Passing: Drew Fisher - 34/96, 374 yards, eight touchdowns. Rushing: Drew Fisher - 141 carries, 623 yards, six touchdowns; Ben Coffman - 113 carries, 457 yards, four touchdowns; Braydon Anderson - 27 carries, 251 yards, one touchdown. Receiving: Christian Tripses - 14 catches, 200 yards, two touchdowns; Everett Bender - seven catches, 54 yards, two touchdowns; Keyden Lown - six catches, 61 yards, two touchdowns. Tackles: Cael Grove - 50 total tackles, 29 solo; Colton Mikesell - 37 total tackles, 21 solo, one sack, two tackles-for-loss; Everett Bender - 30 tackles, 21 solo, three tackles for loss.