Football - Ligonier Valley vs Apollo-Ridge

September 16, 2023

Ligonier Valley tops Apollo-Ridge 34-14 for Coach Roger Beitel's 150th victory

Ligonier Valley opened their Class 2A Allegheny Conference schedule on Friday, September 15, in memorable fashion. The Rams treated the Weller Field home crowd to a 34-14 win over Apollo-Ridge, and honored coach Roger Beitel on his 150th victory as head coach.

Following a scoreless first quarter, the Rams got on the board when junior running back John Jablunovsky carried into the endzone from 11 yards out on the opening play of the second quarter. Hunter Carr booted the extra point to give Ligonier Valley a 7-0. lead.

Apollo-Ridge tied the game with just over 3 minutes left in the half on a Hayden Johns 3-yard touchdown run and Gabe Suman's PAT kick. But Ligonier Valley responded with just six seconds remaining in the half as Jablunovsky took a 26-yard pass from Bowie Schreyer and outraced a defender to the endzone. The PAT kick failed, and the Rams took a 13-7 lead to the locker room.

Ligonier Valley set the tone for the second half when John Jablunovsky returned the kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown. The two-point conversion attempt failed, and the Rams led 19-7 with just 13 seconds elapsed in the half.

A pair of Ligonier Valley 4th-quarter touchdowns put the game out of reach. Schreyer called his own number from 4 yards out, and the ensuing PAT kick became a two-point conversion when holder Maxx Oberly raced to the right pylon and scored. Jablunovsky capped the Ligonier Valley scoring with his fourth touchdown of the game on a 20-yard run. Carr's kick made the score 34-7.

Apollo-Ridge quarterback Karter Schrock added a touchdown on a 68-yard run inside the final minute, with Suman converting the PAT kick. Ligonier Valley recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock for the 34-14 win.

After the game, Ligonier Valley head coach Roger Beitel was honored for his 150th win with a Gatorade shower and a game ball from his young team, which lists only one senior on the roster.

The Rams (2-2, 1-0) will continue conference play next week with a road trip to perennial playoff contender Steel Valley. Apollo-Ridge (1-3, 0-1) will host Derry Area, who is coming off a 1-point win over Yough.