Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Nov. 30, 2024 – The Valley View Blazers’ perfect season was ended when they went up against the Parkview Patriots, as they were defeated 44-14.
Playing at Central Dealerships Stadium in Jonesboro, Valley View welcomed perhaps their toughest test of the year in Parkview.
The Blazers’ winning prospects weren’t helped by a pair of Patriot touchdowns in the first quarter. After advancing the ball near midfield on the game’s opening drive, Drew Gartman’s pass over the middle was intercepted by Parkview’s Jermaine Penny.
Penny found a lane and burst past Gartman to return the interception for a touchdown. The extra point gave Parkview a 7-0 lead just over a minute in. Valley View’s next possession lasted just three plays before punting, as Parkview pressure forced a sack on 3rd down and a fumble which nearly resulted in another turnover.
With possession again, the Patriots delivered another blow. Senior quarterback Quentin Murphy faked out the defense on a draw play up the middle and made use of the space, finally veering out to his right to find the endzone on a 53-yard rush. The Blazers trailed 14-0 after six minutes played.
Valley View head coach Sean Cockrell made a gutsy decision on the following drive. Facing 4th and 11 on his own 29-yard line, Cockrell elected to keep his offense on the field. The attempt was unsuccessful, with Gartman sacked.
Cockrell’s risk did not meet immediate consequence, as the Blazers this time forced a turnover when Jayde Taylor deflected a pass to RJ Esterich. The momentum seemed to place Valley View back into the game, and they were moving down the field until another 4th down emerged on Parkview’s 31-yard line.
Gartman looked for Parker King over the top but was ultimately unable to connect, and the contact on the play sent Valley View’s sideline into uproar. The Blazers surrendered possession.
The second quarter opened to a handful of carries from Parkview’s Monterrio Elston, moving the Patriots into Blazer territory. Murphy then rushed to Valley View’s 27-yard line, setting up Elston on the next play with a screen pass for the score. The snap was mishandled on the extra point, bringing the score to 20-0.
Valley View retaliated through Gartman linking up with receiver Andrew Jones on numerous plays throughout the following drive. Jones hauled in a 28-yard touchdown reception and pulled the score to 20-7 with just over two minutes remaining in the first half.
Valley View saw the ball shortly thereafter when a missed field goal placed them on their own 20. Advancing to the 50-yard line, Gartman and the Blazers were rolling. However, senior Jace White undercut the receiver and returned the ball for a touchdown. The Blazers’ deficit widened approaching halftime at 27-7.
After exchanging punts to open the second half, Parkview struck again. Elston lined up wide and ran a post route to the corner of the end zone to which Murphy delivered a lofting pass. Parkview’s lead became more comfortable at 34-7 in the 3rd quarter.
Valley View continued to fight.
Madden Tatum entered the contest to relieve Gartman, who had a hand injury. Esterich anticipated another pass and returned the interception for a touchdown. The extra point pulled the Blazers within 20 points, but Parkview remained stronger.
Cameron Settles scored from six yards away late in the 3rd and Salomon Aguilar added a field goal. The final score was 44-14.
Coach Cockrell said there was no shame in the loss as he looked back on the season.
“Just proud of everyone,” he said. “There are seniors on this team who have won 31 games in their high school careers with us, so I’m just really proud of the 12-1 season and the opportunity to play against a great team like Parkview tonight.”
Cockrell’s semi-final appearance marked his most successful playoff run of his coaching career.
Parkview will face Farmington in the 5A State Final game.