Valle couldn’t be stopped

The Clark Cougars (2-5 / 2-3) football team put all of it together and defeated the John Jay Mustangs (4-4 /4-2) 36-23 in district play.  The Cougars used a pounding offensive attack and a stout defense led by Colton Magaro to shut down the Mustangs. Branden Valle rushed for over 200 yds. in a punishing offensive effort.

The scoring began on Clark’s first possession with 37 yd pass TD from Presley Miller to Chase Jones, giving Clark an early 7-0 lead with 9:17 in the 1st. The tables were turned on Jay on when Clark got the ball next, with Jones connecting with Miller for a 10 yd. pass TD with ]3:21  in the 1st qtr.

Jay started the 2nd quarter inside Clark’s redzone but a 4th and 10 on the Clark ten was stuffed by the Cougar defense, who shined all night.  Clark then took the ball at their own 9 yd. line and drove 81 yds., eating up most of the 2nd quarter.  Branden Vallee ran it in from 18 yds. out to give Clark a dominating first half and a 21-0 lead.  Jay would score before the half making it 21-7 at the half.

Cristian Arellano, who covered Jay’s standout athlete Josh Reynolds, kept him in check most of the evening.  Arellano intercepted the Mustangs in the 3rd, returning it to the Jay 6.  Valle took it in from there making the score Clark 28-Jay 7 in the 3rd quarter.  Jay would add a field goal and Hail Mary on a 4th and 20 to make it 28-17 to end the quarter.

In the 4th, Reynolds finally got in the endzone for Jay but another long drive for 70 yds. ending with a Jones 1 yd. TD sealed the victory for the Cougars.

The win keeps playoff hopes alive for the Cougars who next face Marshall.

• Express News article – boxscore
• envision! PHOTOS

GREAT JOB AND KEEP FIGHTIN’, COOGS!