EV routs another opponent, scores 70+ consecutive weeks

It’s hard to evaluate a team after only two games in the season, but so far, the English Valleys football team seems for real. One week after routing Twin Cedars the Bears did it again on August 24, this time Mid-Prairie was the recipient of a 74-18 beatdown.

A big key to the early success comes from the blocking, both from players on the line and players on the edges making way for the ball carrier to get downfield. The defense came out strong for a second week and limited WMU to a short opening drive. Seth Thompson had a quality punt return to give the offense the ball on the 16-yard line. Three plays later, Cael Hester found his way into the endzone to give the Bears the early lead.

WMU countered with a touchdown of their own to keep things interesting but any momentum the home team gained was quickly shutdown. Hester found Clayton Moore for a deep 48-yard pass to add onto the lead for the Bears, and from there they never looked back. An unexpected onside kick attempt was successfully recovered by the Bears and Hester recorded another passing touchdown, this time a 25-yard strike to Thompson.

“Yet again we were able to score well,” Bears coach Mike Gerard said. “We want to be able to run the ball and so far, we’ve been able to do so effectively this season.”

Cooper Andreassen, starting tailback for the Bears, showed off his versatility in the first half by tossing a pass to Moore for a 15-yard touchdown, making the score 36-12 at the time. After the half, Andreassen and Caleb Peach showed off their running ability, combining for three scores. Hester tacked on another rushing touchdown and the night scoring concluded with an eight-yard run for Brayden Mikesell, adding himself to the scoresheet.

The defense loomed large all game long, allowing just one touchdown, the other score coming from a kick return, and forcing six turnovers.

“The biggest thing with scoring in the 70s two weeks in a row is our players understanding that we will be able to score when we need to,” Gerard said. “We always need to improve on all of the small things. We had too many penalties and as the games continue to get tougher, those are things you cannot afford to have.”

Bears leaders: Cael Hester – 98 passing yard on four completions (24.5 yards/completion) and two scores, Cooper Andreassen – 184 yards rushing on 15 carries (12.3 yards/rush) for two scores, Caleb Peach – 116 yards rushing on 12 carries (9.7 yards/rush) for two scores, Clayton Moore – 88 yards receiving on four catches (22 yards/reception) for two scores, Nolan Grove – 8.5 tackles, seven solo tackles, Seth Thompson – two interceptions, Cooper Andreassen – one interception, Cael Hester – one fumble recovery, Bentley Schott – one fumble recovery

The Bears hope to keep rolling as they head to Waco on August 31.

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