Redbank Valley Wins 1st Conference Title Since ’96

CLARION, Pa. (D9Sports.com) – Redbank Valley won its first conference title since 1996 and fourth overall with a 34-10 win at Clarion Friday night that clinched the KSAC Small School Division crown and with it the No. 1 seed in the upcoming District 9 Class A playoffs.

(Photo by Don Long)

The Bulldogs (7-2, 5-0 KSAC SSD), who are the first team other than Clarion to win the KSAC Small in the six years the KSAC has been split, rode the legs and hands of senior Wyatt Hetrick.

Hetrick had 300 yards of total offense and four touchdowns including 148 on the ground on 24 carries, both career highs, with two late rushing touchdowns. He also caught five passes for 152 yards with a pair of first-half touchdowns. The 152 yards receiving were a season high and the second most of his career behind the his District 9-record-tying 18 catches for 242 yards. He had only 32 rushes on the season going into the game.

Quarterback Connor Shoemaker continued his strong play play with two passing touchdowns and a rushing score. He was 9 of 13 passing for 201 yards while rushing nine times for 36 yards with a 1-yard touchdown run. His scoring passes to Hetrick went for 41 yards and 80 yards.

Bo Miller scored Clarion’s lone touchdown with a 16-yard run in the first quarter that tied the game at seven. Cameron Craig also kicked a 27-yard field goal on the last play of the first half that got Clarion to within four, 14-10, at the break.

But Redbank Valley owned the second half outscoring the Bobcats 20-0.

Colton Rapp ran 12 times for 64 yards for Clarion (5-4, 3-2), while Bo Miller ran five times for 16 yards but was only 4 of 22 passing for 43 yards and two picks. Miller also picked off a pass on defense.

Nick Shoemaker had a pair of interceptions for Redbank Valley’s defense.

Redbank outgained Clarion 437 to 179.

For video highlights from the game, visit www.D9Sports.com.