Tri-Valley advances to 2A state, LeRoy’s season comes to an end

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Tri-Valley played in poor conditions in its win in the semifinal of the IHSA Class 2A playoffs. (WJBC)

By WJBC Staff

The Tri-Valley Vikings advance to the Class 2A state championship game in Dekalb as LeRoy’s season comes to an end at Arcola.

Tri-Valley: 

Jake Steiner scored two touchdowns, including the game-winner midway through the fourth quarter, to lead Tri-Valley to a 20-12 victory over Annawan-Wethersfield in Class 2A state football playoff action at Downs.

The victory sends the undefeated and top-ranked Vikings to Friday’s state championship in DeKalb at 1:30 p.m. against Auburn.

The Vikings broke on top against Annawan-Wethersfield 17 seconds into the game on a 69-yard touchdown run by Brock Danko.

Annnawan-Wethersfield tied the game on a 70-yard kickoff return by Jack Lindbloom to start the second half.

The Vikings surged back into the lead one minute later on a 45-yard touchdown run by Steiner.

But the Titans knotted the score at 12 on a 92-yard run by James Reed with 4:17 left in the third quarter.

That set the stage for Steiner’s game-winning run from 25 yards out with 8:13 to go and Danko added the two-point conversion run.

Tri-Valley has a 13-0 record, while Annawan-Wethersfield ended 11-2.

Tri-Valley will play Auburn for the 2A State Championship.

LeRoy:

Arcola All State Running Back Wyatt Fishel scored 5 touchdowns leading the #3 seeded Purple Riders to an impressive 42-0 victory over Leroy.

Fishel ran for 323 yards on 23 carries with touchdown runs of 1, 36, 63, 76 and 8 yards on Arcola’s snow covered field.

Leroy struggled with the wet and cold conditions, losing 4 fumbles and falling behind 21-0 in the first half before Fishel put the game away with his long runs.

Arcola’s defense held Bryce Dooley in check, 71 yards on 23 carries, while Ethan Bryant picked up 72 on 16 attempts.

Leroy finishes 9-4. Arcola now 13-0

 

Listen to postgame comments from Tri-Valley and LeRoy’s head coaches here. 

 

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