BELLBROOK — After a disappointing loss to Eaton last week, Bellbrook was hoping to bounce back with another Southwestern Buckeye League matchup against Germantown Valley View, Friday night during homecoming at Bellbrook High School. The Golden Eagles won their first league game, beating the Spartans, 23-7.
Bellbrook was clicking on the defensive end. The defense held Valley View to just one score, giving up just 26 yards rushing and 84 yards passing. The Golden Eagles also caused two turnovers.
“A lot more determination and a lot more fire in us. The difference is in how we start. If we can get off to a good start, we’re in a much better situation. We started quickly tonight and we’re a better team when we do that,” said Bellbrook coach Kevin Basinger. “That’s not all, though. The kids played hard.”
Valley View’s Kole Smith was out with injury, forcing the Spartans to experiment. After a few Wildcat formations with the running back under center, sophomore Collin Wood came in at quarterback.
“That put a damper in what they wanted to do. But they’re a good team. They’re going to win some more games,” said Basinger.
The offensive and defensive line were both pushing the Spartans around in the win. Connor Oldham ran for 123 yards on 28 carries. Quarterback David Vine also added 58 yards on the ground.
“Connor has had an up and down year, but it was a nice night for him. He had the big (50-yard) run early and got himself going,” said Basinger. “He was due for sure. It was fun to see him get a chance to let it happen tonight.”
Vine had 76 yards passing in the game. Chandler Wren, Nathan Cordonnier and Nick Barhorst made all the receptions for the Golden Eagles.
Wren gave Bellbrook a boost coming out of the locker room for the second half. He returned the first kickoff of the second half 92 yards for a touchdown.
“That made all the difference in the world,” said Basinger. “It was important for us to get another score early in the second half, and we couldn’t get it much earlier. That was great.”
Bellbrook plays Franklin on the road at 7 p.m. next Friday at Atrium Stadium.
“I just feel proud of the kids,” said Basinger. “We’ve really struggled at the beginning of the year, but to get a nice win like that can be a season changer for us. We’ll see what happens.”
Score by Quarters
Valley View 0 7 0 0 — 7
Bellbrook 7 3 6 7 — 23
Scoring Plays
B — Connor Oldham 1 run. Brady Tincher kick.
B — Tincher 15 field goal.
V — Collin Genslinger 22 pass from Collin Wood. Tyler Black kick.
B — Chandler Wren 92 kickoff return. Kick fail.
B — David Vine 5 run. Tincher kick.
Records: Bellbrook (2-4, 1-2 SWBL Southwestern); Valley View (4-2, 1-1 SWBL Southwestern).
