Bearcats control own destiny in SVC
The Paint Valley Bearcats stayed undefeated in the Scioto Valley Conference with a 35-6 win Friday night against the Adena Warriors, setting the stage for the Bearcats to control their own destiny for the rest of the season.
With a one-game lead in the SVC with two games to go in the regular season, it is simple for the Bearcats … win their final two games, and they will be outright conference champions and in the postseason for the second consecutive year.
Through eight weeks, the Bearcats are averaging 31.6 points per game, with their defense allowing just 13.5 ppg.
Unofficially, PV is No. 4 in the computer rankings in Division VII, Region 25.
But the Bearcats don't think ahead, as they are taking it one week at a time.
"We really haven't talked about the conference and the playoffs," PV head coach Pete Hollon said. "Our goal every week is to be 1-0 after each Friday night. We just want to continue to improve each week."
As for the now 6-2 Bearcats (5-0, SVC), they began Friday night with a 7-0 first-quarter lead following a 5-yard run by Teagan McFadden and PAT by Anthony McFadden against the visiting Warriors, who fell to 3-5 overall (2-3, SVC).
Teagan McFadden finished with 156 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 17 carries.
In the second quarter, Caleb Johnson rushed for a 4-yard score, and PV went for a 2-point conversion and converted it with Anthony McFadden finding Tony Hatfield for two points.
Johnson finished with five carries for 61 yards and the TD. Anthony McFadden finished 5-of-7 for 71 yards passing.
"This was the best game offensively Caleb has played all season," Hollon said. "Not just with his rushing yards, but his blocking also."
Also for PV, Mason McCloy had three receptions for 31 yards.
AHS was first to score in the third quarter with Isaac Thomas scoring on a 57-yard touchdown run, but that was answered with a third Teagan McFadden TD, who raced six yards for the six points. Jacob Ott kicked the PAT for a 29-6 lead.
The final PV score came in the fourth quarter when Anthony McFadden went 1-yard for the TD. The PAT was blocked.
"Our interior offensive and defensive fronts played well," Hollon said. "They played a physical game, and after the first possession, we scored on three consecutive possessions.
"It was good to control the front against Adena, because that was something we haven't done in a while."
PV finished with 361 yards of offense, 290 yards rushing. The defense of the Bearcats allowed 228 yards.
"We are giving Corey Freeman more opportunities offensively, and on defense Chris Fellenstein is coming into his own," Hollon said.
This Friday, the Bearcats will host their final home game of the season, with the Piketon Redstreaks visiting as the Week 9 opponent.
"I like where our defense is at right now," Hollon said. "We have some tackling we have to work on, but for the most part I'm very happy with the defense.
"This Friday is senior night, and we hope to continue to get the great support from the community that we've had all year."