Olpe withstands Mission Valley in 1A rematch, 35-21

Olpe, victorious in the first meeting 34-14, and Mission Valley played two opposite styles of offense.  Olpe with their methodical approach had the ball a majority of the first quarter before Colton Redeker found the end zone from 6 yards out with 1:11 left in the opening frame.  Olpe would continue to slow down the no huddle offense of Mission Valley a majority of the first half, while adding to their lead with a 47 yard passing score from Dexton Hoelting to Brayden Lienemann. Mission Valley would seize momentum before the half ended, finding the scoreboard behind a 1 yard rush from Porter Deters. With Mission Valley receiving the second half kick, Olpe’s Chris Schmidt rallied his team to make a statement to start the third.

The Eagles responded quickly, taking a 45 yard fumble recovery from Eli Markowitz within the first minute of the third quarter. Olpe would force a turnover on downs after an errant snap at midfield, and the Eagles capitalized with a score by Abbott Bailey from 1 yard out with 3:07 in the third.  Deters would find Bryce Bunger for a 45 yard passing touchdown to draw with 14 with 8:51 left to play.  Olpe recovered the onside kick and would take another 5 minutes off the clock before Hoelting found the end zone from 1 yard out with 3:07 left.

Deters would respond once again with another touchdown score but it would prove to be the last score with 1:47 left as onside kick would go Olpe’s way again.

Hoelting gave credit to Mission Valley and discussed the dynamics of facing a team twice in a season.

Olpe improves to 7-2 and will face Centralia next week in round 2. Mission Valley concludes their season at 5-4.