Pleasant Valley runs over Bettendorf in cross-town rivalry

Walking into the end zone just 1 minute and 35 seconds into the game, Pleasant Valley running back Adam OBrien started a day in which he averaged 10.7 yards per carry and ran all over the out-matched Bettendorf defense.

Outside rush from OBrien, keeper from quarterback Brady Letney, or dive from T.J. Zerbonia was all it took for Pleasant Valley to run all over the Bettendorf defense.

The triple option worked so well, led by senior quarterback Brady Letney, that it led Pleasant Valley to a 35-14 victory over the Bulldogs and finished with over 350 yards rushing.

People who are supposed to be going to fullback, going to the wrong guy, things like that killed us, Bettendorf senior defensive end Matt Albert said.

The turnover battle was the biggest factor for Bettendorf. Bettendorf had a minusfour turnover margin and didnt take the ball away from Pleasant Valley once.

You dont win many games if you turn the ball over that many times, junior quarterback Cyle Cox said.

This is the first time Bettendorf has lost back to back games against Pleasant Valley since 1996. The combined score for the last two years is 73-14.

Cox didnt have a say in that though as he was sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained the week before. Cox is not only the quarterback, but a valuable captain. Head Coach Aaron Wiley said that is leadership was sorely missed.

The biggest thing that was noticeable was the lack of a passing game from Bettendorf. The drop-off between starting to backup quarterbacks throwing arm was very noticeable and limited the Bettendorf offense heavily throughout the game.

Coxs injury opened up sophomore Owen Ridenour to his first start in varsity football.

Owen did well in his first start, hes only a sophomore, scored a touchdown, did some good things, but you cant turn the ball over four times and beat anyone good, Wiley said.

Ridenour finished the day 6-of-16 with 91 yards and one interception.

The Bulldogs still had the game within two possessions late in the third quarter. They shot themselves in the foot with two turnovers in the fourth quarter that only solidified a Pleasant Valley victory.

Time and time again the offense let down the defense, sending them back on the field after only a short amount of time against an exhausting offense. The defensive line was bent over and huffing after rushes from 240 pound PV running back Zerbonia.

After exhaustion, the team turned to frustration. Multiple times after biting on dive or option fakes, players were yelling at each other during huddles and on the sideline on the bench.

Pleasant Valley played their game very well, executing the triple option exceptionally. One play that stood out with a little under five minutes saw Zerbonia go untouched up the middle while the sluggish defense trailed after Letney who had already handed off the ball.

After trailing 13-0 at halftime, Bettendorf came out of the gate very strong. Then another costly turnover from running back Johnathan McLaughlin turned any momentum Bettendorf had over to Pleasant Valley.

The bright spot in the Bettendorf offense came on a 50-yd screen pass to Gabe Rees, his first reception of the season. Rees sparked the team into their only scoring drives with his speed on the edge.

After Rees spark came a Ridenour read-option keeper that went for 45-yards and a touchdown. Ridenour went untouched through the middle for an easy touchdown.

The offense and Owen moved the ball really well out there, they just couldnt finish drives, which is something that will come with experience.

Coxs status isnt known for next week, but Cox said he is feeling better and better everyday. Without Coxs play and leadership, the Bettendorf offense will continue to struggle.

The game stood as a test of the two class 4-A schools from Bettendorf, but both fan bases came together as former Iowa Hawkeye standout and Pleasant Valley alum Brett Greenwood made only his second public appearance since sustained a lifethreatening stroke at the game two years ago.

Bettendorf now moves on in what will most likely be a battle for second place in the MAC as Pleasant Valley stands out as the lone remaining undefeated team.

They will move on to play Muscatine next Friday, who can challenge Bettendorf for the second place spot. Muscatine will come in also at 3-1 on the season and riding a three game winning streak.