Burrell shuts out Valley to snap 6-game streak in ‘Battle of the Bypass’
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Friday, August 23, 2019 | 10:38 PM
Burrell’s Seth Fischbach intercepts a pass intended for Vaun Ross in the first quarter at Valley High School Friday. Aug 23, 2019.
Burrell’s Michael Scherer breaks the tackle of Valley’s Ricrdo Simmons in the first quarter.
Valleyճ Michael Henderson runs in to a wall of Burrell defenders in the second half at Valley High School Friday. Aug 23, 2019
Valley quarterback Cayden Quinn, breaks the tackle of Burrell’s Ricky Feroce in the second half.
Throughout the history of the “Battle of the Bypass,” Burrell and Valley have traded winning streaks.
On Friday, Burrell ended Valley’s six-game win streak that started in 2013. Mike Scherer led the way on the ground, rushing for 124 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, and Central Catholic transfer quarterback Alex Arledge passed for two touchdowns and 204 yards on the way to a 20-0 nonconference victory.
“This is the greatest feeling ever,” Scherer said about finally being able to get a victory over Valley. “I’ve been dreaming about this since I’ve gotten to high school. We haven’t beaten them since I came here, and we finally ended the six-year streak. I’m so happy.”
The last time Burrell (1-0) won in this longtime rivalry, it allowed the Vikings to score only six points. From the first whistle Friday, the Burrell defense flew around the field, limiting big-play opportunities and putting pressure on Valley quarterback Cayden Quinn.
While their offense had been getting most of the attention in camp, Burrell’s defense shined in its first game of the season.
“Listen, we have tough kids,” Burrell coach Shawn Liotta said. “Defensively, our kids played lights-out tonight. They did phenomenal tonight because I don’t care who you are. When you shut someone out, especially in a rivalry game, you are doing a lot of things well on the defensive side of the football.”
On Burrell’s first drive, it quickly marched into Valley territory but failed to convert a fourth-down attempt.
Two plays later, after Seth Fischbach picked off Quinn, Arledge connected with his 6-foot-1 receiver for a 56-yard touchdown pass to take a 6-0 lead after a failed PAT.
Three minutes later, Burrell capitalized on another Valley mistake and took over on the 12-yard line. Then, Scherer punched the ball into the end zone from 6 yards for a 12-point lead.
Burrell added its third and final touchdown midway through the second quarter. Arledge dropped back and connected with Zach Miller on a short pass over the middle. The 5-10, 185-pound senior took it 46 yards to the end zone.
Although Valley (0-1) took a loss in the rivalry game, coach Muzzy Colosimo said he was happy with his team’s performance. The Vikings’ youth showed, but they were able to force turnovers and held Burrell to two points in the second half.
“I told the kids I couldn’t be prouder of them,” Colosimo said. “They never gave up. They didn’t quit. In the past, it would look like we were out of shape. We weren’t out of shape today. We kept playing and playing.”
Burrell will travel to take on No. 2-ranked North Catholic next week, and Valley will look to get its first win of the season when it takes on Avonworth.
Greg Macafee is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Greg by email at gmacafee@triblive.com or via Twitter .
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