Sioux County Warriors Outlast Creek Valley Storm 38-36

Creek Valley’s Storm Football team traveled to Harrison for a Friday afternoon match-up against the Sioux County Warriors, with both teams looking for their first win of the season. The Warriors were able to hang on against the visitors, and earned the two point win after the teams battled and traded leads throughout the game.

Sioux County started with a turnover on their first play from scrimmage, but were able to clamp down on defense and get the ball back with good filed position. After a Sioux County touchdown was called back on an illegal block in the back penalty, the Storm was able to turn their good fortune into a touchdown near the end of the first period to take a 6-to-0 lead. Sioux County quickly struck back on the next possession with a touchdown pas to tie the game at 6-to-6.

Creek Valley then muffed a punt return and had to start deep in their own territory. Creek Valley was able to move the ball towards midfield, but ultimately turned the ball over on downs. Sioux County then scored on a 30 yard touchdown run to take a 14-to-6 lead, but Creek Valley senior Eli Schmid took the ensuing kick and returned it for a touchdown, tying the game at 14-to-14. After stopping the Sioux County offense, Creek Valley moved the ball downfield and scored another touchdown on a run by senior Lucas Trujillo. Sioux County made a final drive before the half that had them go down the field, and push the ball in with a five yard touchdown run to tie the game at 22-to-22 at halftime.

The teams battled in the third quarter, with Creek Valley scoring a touchdown to take the lead only to have Sioux County fire back and score a touchdown and a two point extra point to take a 30-to-28 lead. Creek Valley was able to re-take the lead on an Eli Schmid touchdown run, 36-to-30, and the Storm defense kept the Warriors out of the end zone on the next drive, forcing a turnover on downs deep in Creek Valley territory. Creek Valley fumbled on their drive, but the defense responded and broke up three consecutive passes in the end zone by Sioux County to hold on to their lead.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Sioux County was able to mount a scoring drive to take a 38-to-36 lead, and both teams then struggled with penalties and miscues as time wound down. Creek Valley had one final chance for a touchdown on a passing play, but the Sioux County defense recovered and broke up the pass, then took over on downs and ran the clock out.

It was the Storm’s third consecutive loss, but the team showed considerable improvement in all aspects. They were able to run the ball and score, and their defense came up with key stops throughout the game.

Creek Valley looks to get on the winning track as they host Minatare in Chappell on Friday.