RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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GNADENHUTTEN – After winning 28 consecutive games and dropping last season's state semifinal game to Glenville, Indian Valley’s football team opened its 2026 season in dominating fashion.
Indian Valley got on the board early, thanks to a 44-yard rushing touchdown in the game's opening two minutes, and rolled to a 42-13 victory against Green on Aug. 21.
"We had the play called to the right, and all of a sudden I saw a gap on the left,” senior quarterback Ryker Williams said. “All the credit goes to my offensive line, they created a hole, and I was able to take advantage of it.”
Head coach Matt Lancaster knew tonight’s game against Green, who Indian Valley defeated 28-21 last season, was going to be a test.
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“They’re so well coached, and they’ve got talent across the board,” he said. “I wasn’t pleased with the way we executed at times tonight but it’s Week 1, and we have time to make adjustments after we go through the film.”
Indian Valley capitalized on four plays in the first half that resulted in 40 yards or further touchdowns.
“We’re not the traditional Indian Valley offense that is going to grind out 12-minute drives this season,” Lancaster said. “We would like to be that team, but we have athletes all over the field that we have to get the ball to.”
With 6:43 minutes remaining in the first half, senior running back Reese St. Clair took a run 69-yards for his first score of the season.
“He’s a special kid,” Lancaster said. “He worked so hard and had a really good offseason. It’s his turn now, and he’s taken control of that and really owned that.”
The Braves continued with their quick strikes, as Williams connected with senior wide receiver Carson Hostetler for a 51-yard touchdown.
With 11 seconds remaining in the half, Williams launched a ball downfield, and senior Colt James hauled in the pass scoring a 54-yard touchdown, taking a 30-6 into halftime.
“That’s something that is on film now,” Williams said. “Other teams are going to have to prepare for my throwing, and it should open a running game for our backs and myself.”
Fans and opponents may not be used to a passing Indian Valley team, but with the weapons around Williams they will take every advantage they can get.
“It’s the same concept for us,” Williams said. “Instead of running straight we’re going to throw it quick, and that has the chance to open a lot of the field for us.”
"It’s going to put a lot of pressure on other teams who traditionally pack the box against us,” Lancaster added. “Ryker has developed into a passer, and I think it will make teams play us a little more honestly.
The focus moving forward? Execute.
“We had breakdowns that we don’t traditionally have,” Lancaster said. “We turned the ball over, and it’s something normally doesn’t happen, those mistakes in big games can cost us.”
Indian Valley will be back in action at 7 p.m., on Friday Aug. 28 at home, taking on Buchtel (0-1).
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This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Indian Valley football strikes quickly, rolls past Green in season opener
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