Tri-Valley - West recap Oct. 3, 2012
Ithaca extended the longest winning streak in Tri-Valley - West this week by beating Carrollton, 33-21. The victory was the sixth in a row for the Yellowjackets.
Valley Lutheran moved up to 253 from 296 in the state rankings this week, the biggest jump in the league. The Chargers climbed the ranks as a result of a 45-40 win over Michigan Lutheran Seminary.
Evan Howard was the best wideout in the league this week as Valley Lutheran topped the Cardinals. Howard tallied two receptions for 78 yards. Justin Crosby helped Valley Lutheran's passing attack out by catching one ball for 28 yards.
Travis Smith put up the best numbers through the air as Ithaca defeated the Cavaliers. He finished with 13 completions for 200 yards and five touchdowns. Smith's favorite target this week was Caden Kipp, who caught three passes for 64 yards.
Stephen Dietrich was the most productive running back in Tri-Valley - West this week. In 22 carries, he ran for 250 yards as Michigan Lutheran Seminary defeated Michigan Lutheran Seminary. Teammate Owen Heyn added to the ground attack by rushing for seven yards.
Chase Ruhlig provided a threat through the air and on the ground as St. Charles beat Breckenridge. He completed eight passes for 137 yards and one touchdown and also ran for 213 yards. Ruhlig's favorite target this week was Hayden Rusz, who caught five passes for 78 yards.
6-foot-2 quarterback Smith of Terry Hessbrook's team is the league leader in passing yards this season with 1065. He has also thrown 17 touchdowns. On the ground, Karl Schmugge's team's Dietrich has rushed for 764 yards which leads the league. The leading receiver in the league this season is Alex Rumpel. The St. Charles star has 20 catches for 346 yards.
A big matchup in the league this week will be when Carrollton takes on the Chargers. At the moment, Greg Wasmer's team is in third, while Valley Lutheran is in second.
The Yellowjackets suffered a letdown when it was bounced from the state Top 25 this week after a 33-21 loss to the Yellowjackets. Ithaca had been ranked 25th, but fell to 38 following the defeat.
Story is based on stats entered in MaxPreps by Tuesday 5am PST each week.
