Published: November 07, 2009 11:26 pm      

Blacklick Valley captures first home playoff win

NANTY GLO — Blacklick Valley’s first home playoff win in school history had Vikings coach Bill Zamboni reminiscing.

“The last time I was ever in a situation like this was when my son played in 1986 and they beat Laurel Valley down in Indiana for our only playoff win,” Zamboni said after this year’s Vikings beat visiting Glendale 33-6 in the District 6 Class A playoffs on Saturday afternoon.

“I happened to be a father in that game,” added Zamboni, who was on then head coach Paul Shandor’s staff in 1986, and his son played quarterback. “Then we lost the District 6 championship to Juniata Valley

(2-0) in Hollidaysburg.

“So, this is definitely the proudest moment I ever had.”

Seventh-seeded Blacklick won its eighth straight game after opening the season 0-2. The Vikings will travel to second-seeded Bellwood-Antis next week in the 6-A playoffs.

The host Vikings fell in an early hole against 6-4 Glendale, whose nickname also is the Vikings.

No. 10 Glendale moved 77 yards in 13 plays and chewed up 5 minutes, 18 seconds of clock on its first drive.

Quarterback Tyler Jenny finished the march with a 1-yard bolt into the end zone at 4:38 of the first.

“We came out of the gate and were able to put a nice drive together,” Glendale coach Rick Kozak said.

“We converted a couple times on some third downs. We were able to get it in the end zone. I thought we were out to a great start. To their credit they came out and matched it and kept going.”

Blacklick answered with a 12-play, 68-yard drive capped by Ted Worthington’s 1-yard run on the second play of the second quarter. The game was tied at 6.

Behind the dual running threat of Brendan Julock (20 carries, 151 yards) and Worthington (19-90) the home team took control.

Quarterback Victor Manda scored three straight touchdowns on runs of 1, 1 and 17 yards as Blacklick built a 27-6 advantage through three quarters.

Zamboni’s defense also was rock solid. After Glendale’s early scoring drive, Blacklick forced six Glendale punts, stopped another drive on fourth down and ended one possession after Worthington stepped in front of a Jenny pass and returned it 40 yards for the final touchdown late in the game.

“I knew that they could score some points,” Zamboni said.

“Last week they scored

49 against Tussey Mountain, a very good team. (After the first touchdown) I thought, don’t tell me we’re going to be in a shootout because we’ve been playing excellent defense.

“Ron Rhoades, my defensive coordinator made the adjustments and we shut them down. We became more physical than they were.”

The road will be more difficult next week. Bellwood is a traditional district power and one of the top teams in the state.

“When you talk about the (top-seed) McCorts, the (third seed) Portages and the Bellwoods, you can list any one of the three in whatever order you want to,” Zamboni said of 6-A’s top seeds.

“We have the opportunity to play the elite. If you want to become the elite you have to play the elite.”