Ligonier Valley ground game takes it to Charleroi

By: Andrew White
Friday, October 4, 2024 | 11:45 PM

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It was a night of homecoming festivities for Charleroi, but the Cougars were unable to deliver a storybook ending as they fell to Ligonier Valley, 20-14, in nonconference play as both teams were looking to get back on track.

It was the Rams who capitalized late, thanks to a dominant rushing performance from John Jablunovsky and Bryce Vida.

The first quarter was a defensive battle highlighted by two key interceptions.

Ligonier Valley quarterback Boden Schreyer threw an early interception to Charleroi’s Braedin Lunger at the Cougars 39-yard line to end a promising opening drive.

Charleroi couldn’t take advantage of the turnover as quarterback Jackson Keranko’s deep shot on third-and-10 from the 35-yard line was picked off by Jablunovsky, who shined on both sides of the ball.

The game remained scoreless until the 3-minute, 4-second mark of the second quarter, when Jablunovsky broke through for a 16-yard touchdown run, putting Ligonier Valley (3-4) on the board first. The Rams led 7-0 after the PAT.

Charleroi (1-6) responded quickly with Keranko finding Nate Rock on a dump-off pass that Rock turned into an 11-yard touchdown. Rock was a key contributor on that drive, amassing nearly 50 all-purpose yards to help the Cougars tie the score.

In the third quarter, Ligonier Valley regained the lead behind backup running back Vida, who capped a drive with a 5-yard touchdown run. Vida carried the ball seven times for 32 yards on the drive and helped the Rams push their advantage to 14-7. Vida finished the game with 21 carries, 104 yards and a touchdown.

Charleroi’s defense stepped up late in the fourth quarter, forcing a fumble deep in Ligonier Valley territory that changed the course of the game. Two plays later, riding the momentum from the turnover, Keranko connected with his favorite target, Noah Pletcher, on a 28-yard touchdown pass to tie the score 14-14 with about five minutes to play. Pletcher outleaped the Rams’ defensive backs, catching the ball over their heads to electrify the home crowd as he found his way to the end zone.

Keranko’s poise was crucial to bringing them back in the game, and the connection with Pletcher showcased not only his growth as a quarterback but also the trust he’s built with his teammates over the years and the confidence he has to throw that ball in the first place. Coach Ty Aeschbacher had high praise for his senior signal caller.

“He’ll be a four-year starter for us, and if there’s a guy out there you trust to make decisions, it’s him. He’s shown great strides in his athletic ability,” Aeschbacher said. “He’s getting better and better every week, putting a little more zip on the ball and building his confidence. He gives our guys a chance to make plays, and that’s all you can ask for.”

Ligonier Valley’s rushing attack proved to be too much for the Cougars to handle, though.

The Rams methodically drove down the field, and Jablunovsky scored again with a little over a minute remaining to close out their dominant drive.

Jablunovsky finished the game with 28 carries for 184 yards and two touchdowns. Pletcher blocked the extra-point attempt, keeping the score at 20-14 with 1:33 left.

Charleroi had one final chance to steal the win, but Ligonier Valley’s defense held firm. The Cougars turned the ball over on downs as their hook-and-lateral attempt fell short.

Charleroi will travel to Washington next week in Century Conference play.

Tags: Charleroi, Ligonier Valley