Valley Tigers Upset Rams in Saturday Showdown

PLEASANT HILL, Iowa - In a thrilling Saturday afternoon matchup, the Valley Tigers visited Southeast Polk and emerged with a 20-17 victory, handing the Rams their first defeat of the young season.

Valley quarterback threw for two second-half touchdowns to overcome an early Rams lead. After Southeast Polk jumped ahead 7-3 at the half, the Tigers rallied in the third quarter, capitalizing on a Rams turnover to take a 14-10 advantage. A 35-yard field goal early in the fourth extended Valley’s lead to 17-10.

Southeast Polk answered with a 65-yard scoring drive to tie the game at 17, but Valley’s ground game broke the stalemate with a late touchdown plunge. The Rams drove into Tiger territory on their final possession but were stopped on fourth down at the 12-yard line as time expired.

Valley improves to 1-0, while Southeast Polk falls to 0-1. The Tigers travel to face Dowling Catholic next Friday, and the Rams will host Norwalk.

Key play: Valley’s decisive 5-yard touchdown run with 2:14 remaining.

Valley Tigers 20, Southeast Polk 17