Golden Valley, Hart end in tie
Prep football: Grizzlies, Indians coaches call game at 7-7
As the sun set over Harry Welch Stadium on Friday night, the excitement in the air was palpable, as the Golden Valley and Hart football teams took the field for a game for the first time this season.
But what started
as a thrilling beginning to the season ended rather unceremoniously, as the final score read 7-7 at the end of regulation, with overtime out of the picture.
Golden Valley head coach Dan Kelley, Hart head coach Rick Herrington and officials from both schools met in the middle of the field after regulation to discuss the plan of action, ultimately concluding that overtime wasn’t an option.
“There wasn’t any clarification with the league for overtime this spring. Their AD said there was no talk in their meetings. Basically, the league didn’t put it in writing,” said Kelley. “No one had a specific answer if we had overtime or not, so the decision was made. It’s a weird time of year. It is what it is, we got next week.”
“There were no guidelines set in our meeting. There were talks, some coaches said no, one coach said yes, but no one ever finalized anything,” said Herrington. “So, after a while, what’s the rule? The ADs didn’t know, no one knew. Of course, you want to try and win the game, but since there was nothing set, no one finalized it, both teams were dead tired. The main thing was no one knew.”
The lone touchdowns scored by each team came at the beginning of the first quarter and at the start of the third quarter.
On the Grizzlies’ first drive of the game, Hart defensive back Donovan Dunn intercepted quarterback Jaxson Miner. Just a few plays later, deep in Grizzlies territory, Indians quarterback Chase DePaco found his tight end Dylan Vradenburg for a 7-yard touchdown.
The senior, who anchors the defensive line for the Indians, will likely see some more snaps on offense as the season progresses.
“He’ll play tight end, he’ll even play some slot. It’s a tool we can use,” said Herrington. “He is going full-speed on defense, so we have to give him rest here and there, but we’re not afraid to put him on offense. Probably will see him a little more on offense the rest of the year.”
To start the second half, Hart wasn’t able to control the kickoff, as the ball bounced off the shoe of the kick returner and ended up in the hands of the Grizzlies.
Three plays later, Miner connected with Noah Thompson for an 11-yard score, tying the game at 7-7.
Miner, who finished with a touchdown pass and two interceptions, looked for his senior receiver Carlos Meza early
and often. Miner’s first five completions went to Meza and the wideout finished with nine catches for 108 yards.
“He’s very talented, he’s all over the field,” Kelley said of Meza. “He’s a special athlete and one of those kids who is a go-to player. I could sit here and talk about him all night.”
Hart will look for its first win of the season next week against Saugus in a Thursday night game, while Golden Valley will face West Ranch on Friday.
SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 2021
Patience will help you sort out unfinished business this year. Clearing your slate will be the first step toward a better future. Recognizing what you need will give you a new lease on life. Learn from past mistakes, and you will dismiss any uncertainty you encounter moving forward.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Take a moment to reflect. If you let others meddle in your affairs, you’ll regret it. A change may be difficult, but the benefits will be worth it.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Do something constructive. If you find a way to use your skills in different ways, someone will make a suggestion that will help you jump from one field of employment to another.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — An impulsive move will set you back. Take your time, consider your options and have a plan in place before you forge ahead. Pay attention to someone who has helped you in the past.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Don’t waste time on people who talk big and offer little. If you do something concrete, the spotlight will shine on you. Your actions, not your words, will have an impact.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Use your imagination, but don’t dive into something until you have the particulars sorted out. Knowledge and research be necessary if you wish to find success. Self-improvement is favored.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Associate with people who can help you in some way. Partnerships look promising. as long as you divide responsibilities equally. Be careful not to set unrealistic expectations.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Try not to be too accommodating. Don’t be afraid to make a change if it’s in your best interest. Giving up something will not mend a relationship with a manipulative person.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Set off on a pilgrimage that will lead to information, skills and experience. Broaden your interests and friendships, and you will discover you have more options than you thought.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — A change of mind or heart will help you close doors. It’s time to pursue the people and things that make you happy and give you something to feel passionate about. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Take the high road when faced with controversy. Listen carefully to decipher what’s being said or offered before you commit to anything. Empty promises will leave you at a loss.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Take a different approach to an old problem. A change at home will make your life easier. Don’t let anger set in if someone doesn’t bend to your wishes. Selfimprovement and romance are favored.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Putter around the house and stay out of trouble. If you decide to engage in a family feud, you will risk being blamed for the afterfmath. Set a good example.
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