Tri-Valley - West recap Oct. 23, 2012
Ithaca extended the longest winning streak in Tri-Valley - West this week by beating Shepherd, 48-0. This was the team's ninth consecutive win.
Carrollton took down Bridgeport 62-0 last week, the largest margin of any game.
Ithaca's dynamic duo of Travis Smith and Markes Gadlen proved tough for the Bluejays to stop, as they were the top passer and receiver in the league this week. Smith threw for 178 yards and three touchdowns and Gadlen had 69 yards receiving. Zach Allen helped Ithaca's passing attack out by catching three balls for 55 yards.
Stephen Dietrich was the most productive running back in the league this week. In 12 carries, he ran for 181 yards as Michigan Lutheran Seminary beat Shepherd. Teammate Owen Heyn added to the ground attack by rushing for 85 yards.
6-foot-2 quarterback Smith of the Yellowjackets is the league leader in passing yards this season with 1477. He has also thrown 26 touchdowns. On the ground, the Cardinals' Dietrich has rushed for 1269 yards which leads the league. The leading receiver in the league this season is Hayden Rusz. The St. Charles star has 31 catches for 475 yards.
Valley Lutheran's Travis Welch needs only 48 yards against Swan Valley next week to surpass 1,000 rushing yards for the season. Welch has rushed for 952 yards on 129 carries so far this year.
Merrill made the biggest jump in the national rankings this week, rising to 7,471 from 7,780. They were able to move up in the ranks after a 28-8 victory over Vestaburg last week.
Story is based on stats entered in MaxPreps by Tuesday 5am PST each week.
