Football

Heading north

Tri-Valley takes vital first step with convincing league win over Pine Plains

By RICHARD A. ROSS

GRAHAMSVILLE, NY — Confucius says, “Journey of thousand miles begins with single step.” Such ancient philosophy was relevant for the Tri-Valley Bears, who overcame some early flutters on September 20 to beat a young Pine Plains team 42-7 in a league game that the Bears simply had to win.

“This was a must-win game for us,” said Tri-Valley head coach John Rusin, after his team had found a cure for a first-half penalty bug that could have been lethal. The Bears had already lost to Walton and Ellenville. Pine Plains, also winless, lost a league game to Spackenkill and sustained a non-league battering by Red Hook.

All seven teams in the Class C universe have their eyes glued to the playoff horizon wherein four playoff spots await. With the Bulldogs at 3-0, six teams are likely vying for the remaining three spots.

The Bears were hoping to welcome Pine Plains’ first-year coach Jim Jackson’s team to the school of hard knocks. Jackson graduated from Pine Plains and was part of the team’s number-two ranking in the state in the early ’70s. He hopes to turn the program around but it’s going to take a strong lifting program in the off season to begin to reverse Pine Plains’ recent drought.

Breaking the wedge on Pine Plains’ opening kickoff and great tackling, a rarity in the Bears’ first two games, were promising signs for an encouraging Rusin and his staff.

But despite Rusin’s upbeat tone, early on the Bears got in their own way, turning a key survival fray into a game of flag football. Whistles blew and fabric flew for infractions that included motion penalties, a couple of blocks in the back and an alleged late hit out of bounds. Ultimately, though, the Bears recovered from the strange malady and made big play after big play on their way to the uplifting win.

“Some guys got some experience today with Dan Byrne sidelined. We overcame some first-half difficulties that didn’t cost us too much. We’ve got to tighten things up and just keep improving to build off this week,” said Rusin, who saw this game as a vital first step.

“It’s always a good game when Pine Plains is here,” said Rusin. “I think the future is very bright for them.”

This week, Tri-Valley travels to Liberty on Pride Weekend to encounter the winless Indians. Facing Liberty on its homecoming weekend with Liberty desperate for a league win, Tri-Valley has its work cut out for it. Liberty lost to Sullivan West but its other losses were non-league, including this past weekend’s defeat to Chester.

Expect the Indians and the Bears to play a game for the ages.

Jackson complimented his team that has only five seniors. “They work hard but we didn’t tackle and we gave up some big plays on fourth down. Hopefully, if we stick together in the off season we can get it done,” said Jackson. Pine Plains fell to 0-3 (0-2 OCIAA). The Bears are now 1-2 (1-1 OCIAA).

Visit riverreportersports.com for stats, more details and game photos.

Game highlights:

The Bears’ first drive led to a 22-yard TD pass reception by Matt Bogorad from QB Dustin VanLieu. Score: 6-0 at 8:22 (two-point conversion fails).

Pine Plains’ Robert Lamont returned an interception for a nine-yard TD. The PAT was good. Score: 7-6 at 3:32.

Bears’ Brendan Moore, Peter DeMilia and Jesse Boncek ran well as Dan Byrne sat out the game with an injured back. After fumbles and flags on both sides, Boncek ran 65 yards for a TD. Dan Killian ran in the conversion. Score 14-7 at 4:07 (2nd quarter).

Bogorad intercepted a pass by Dylan Prosper. Defensive coach Joe Porcaro called for a QB draw play. VanLieu scored on a 70-yard TD. Boncek added the conversion. Score: 22-7 at the half.

Bogorad ran for a 65-yard TD and the conversion. Score 28-7 at 10:00 (3rd quarter).

Jackson inserted freshman R.J. Shepherd at quarterback but Tri-Valley’s defense never let Pine Plains get a whiff.

VanLieu hit Brendan Moore on a 35-yard TD pass and Boncek had the two-point run. Score: 36-7 at 5:05.

DeMilia scored on a 65-yard TD. The PAT kick failed. Final score 42-7.