Valley View Edges Out Crestwood to Advance to District 2 Class 4A Championship
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | November 1, 2024 | Photo courtesy bl Sports Photography
Valley View Edges Out Crestwood to Advance to District 2 Class 4A Championship
In a thrilling semifinal matchup, Valley View emerged victorious over Crestwood with a 21-14 win, securing their spot in the District 2 Class 4A championship game.
The game opened with a fast start for Valley View, as running back Nick Kucharski broke free for a 45-yard touchdown run, with kicker Braden Loff adding the extra point to put the Cougars ahead 7-0 at 8:20 in the first quarter.
Crestwood answered in the second quarter when Colin Lazo powered through for a 6-yard touchdown run, and Ethan Zabroski’s extra point tied the game 7-7 at 6:45.
The Cougars regained control in the third quarter. Quarterback Zach Cwalinski led a methodical 17-play drive that ate up much of the clock, culminating in his 1-yard touchdown run with 2:33 remaining. Loff’s extra point gave Valley View a 14-7 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Cwalinski struck again early in the final quarter, scoring on a 9-yard run at 8:20, with Loff’s kick making it 21-7. Crestwood made one last push, as Gio Barna scored on a 6-yard run with 4:50 left in the game. Zabroski’s kick cut the lead to 21-14, but Valley View’s defense held firm, preventing any further Crestwood advances.
The final scoring breakdown was as follows:
Valley View 21, Crestwood 14
Crestwood 0 7 0 7 — 14
Valley View 7 0 7 7 — 21
Scoring Summary:
• First Quarter
VV — Nick Kucharski 45-yard run (Braden Loff kick), 8:20
• Second Quarter
CRE — Colin Lazo 6-yard run (Ethan Zabroski kick), 6:45
• Third Quarter
VV — Zach Cwalinski 1-yard run (Loff kick), 2:33
• Fourth Quarter
VV — Cwalinski 9-yard run (Loff kick), 8:20
CRE — Gio Barna 6-yard run (Zabroski kick), 4:50
With this victory, Valley View advances to the district championship, fueled by Cwalinski and Kucharski’s standout performances and a defense that held strong under pressure. The Cougars are now one step closer to the ultimate prize, carrying momentum and confidence into their next game.
