For the second straight year, Dunmore and Ligonier Valley met in the PIAA AA tournament. In a battle of unbeatens, Dumore came out on top in a back and forth battle 23-20.
Dunmore was led by two-way star Noah O’Malley. Noah had a key interception to turn the tide of the game and was a force on offense which included an outstanding 22-yard TD reception.
After the game, Bucks’ Legendary Head Coach Jack Henzes said, “Both teams played extremely well out there today. I am very proud of our kids.”
The first quarter was played almost entirely in the Dunmore end. After a poor punt gave LV great field position, Aaron Tutino hauled in a 20-yard TD pass at the 3:54 mark to put LV up 7-0. On the next play from scrimmage, Titino intercepted a Dunmore pass. In only 45 yards, it was 14-0 Ligonier Valley. The first quarter ended 14-0 LV.
Quarter two was all Dunmore. Their next two drives ended in TDs. Frank Damiano had a short TD run. Noah O’Malley had a nice 22-yard TD catch. LV had nothing going on offense and at the half we were deadlocked at 14.
It was a defensive struggle in the third until Dunmore’s Kyle Harrity blocked an LV punt out of the end zone. It became 16-14 Bucks at the 6:49 mark. Following a safety, Dunmore ground down the field. When Christian Buckley burst through the line 24 yards to pay dirt, the Bucks looked in control. It was 26-14 entering the fourth.
Finally LV began to show signs of life again. A nice drive was culminated by a QB John Caldwell to Aaron Sheeder TD toss. The extra point was missed, making the score 23-20 Dunmore with 4:20 left. The LV defense rose up and forced a punt, leaving one last shot for the Rams. Converting two forth and longs along the way, the LV drive stalled at the Dunmore 12. LV lined up for a game tying field goal with 51seconds left but called time out. Coming out of the timeout LV surprised Dunmore and went for it. A pass to a wide open receiver in the end zone fell incomplete and Dunmore survived 23-20.
A great season ends with a tough loss for Ligonier Valley. Dunmore moves on to the PIAA AA semi final next week.
