Gavin Derby Powering Lumberjacks Back To Contender Status
Weekly Gridiron Wrap-up
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PINE GROVE - The Lumberjacks are back!
Once a W.Va. Class A powerhouse in the 1990s when it was state runner up five times in six years (1993-98) under legendary head coach Tom West, Valley (5-0) hasn't been in the playoffs in a decade, but it is well on its way to ending that streak, and a big reason why is senior quarterback Gavin Derby and Co.
The 5-9, 165-pounder is already the Lumberjacks' all-time leader in career rushing yards, career passing yards and career touchdowns scored. However, he is adding to those numbers by the bunches this season.
For his career, Derby has run for 4,566 yards and 61 TDs on 517 carries, while also passing for 3,616 on 230 of 422 and 37 more six-pointers. Those total combined equals 8,182 yards and 98 touchdowns.
"This is a good group of kids and we've got it rolling right now," Valley head coach Logan Miller said. "Gavin is my nephew and his dad is on our staff, so we knew this group of kids had some great athletes and great linemen. They are used to winning at the high school level. We look to maintain the winning."
So far this season in only five games, Derby has rushed for 1,181 yards and 17 TDs on the ground for a 12-yard-per-carry norm. He has completed 20 of 38 passes for 386 yards and seven six-pointers.
"It's been a blessing to be around him and this group," Miller admitted. "Our family is pretty tight-knit. We go on vacations together and things like that. Gavin is a great kid who is humble. He gives credit to his teammates when they deserve it."
Miller said there is a buzz in the air in this tiny Wetzel County community.
"Our gates have been really good and everywhere you go in town, people are talking about Lumberjack football. It's nice to have."
Miller also knows the Lumberjacks still have half a season to go following this week's bye.
"We are healthy and playing really well. I'd like to play this week, but we have the bye," he added. "I gave the guys a couple of days off to get away and not think about football."
When they resume action, the Lumberjacks will have a tall task when they visit Dragon Stadium in Cameron.
"We are definitely not looking past Cameron," he stressed. "This might be the fastest team they've had in awhile. They are impressive on film and are well-coached. It will definitely be a challenge for us."
That is something Valley has not really faced so far in 2024. They have outscored their opponents 216-74, with 67 of those points coming in wins over Tygarts Valley (46-33) and Frontier (47-34). They have also beaten Clay-Battelle (33-7) and shut out Hancock, Md. (33-0) and Beallsville (47-0). The Clay-Battelle and Frontier games were played in the same week (Monday and Friday).
Following the Cameron contest, the Lumberjacks play three consecutive winless teams Calhoun County, Hundred and Magnolia before closing the season against Paden City (1-3).
"The Magnolia game will be a big one," Miller assessed.
The success the Lumberjacks have had this season is quite remarkable since Valley doesn't have a junior high program.
Streaking
Barnesville will look to extend its regular-season winning streak to 33 straight games Friday when Caldwell visits Shamrock Stadium for Homecoming 2024.
The Shamrocks haven't lost since week 4 of the 2021 season. They reeled off the last six wins that season and have gone 10-0 in back-to-back campaigns. They are currently 6-0 this season.
Ground Gainers
Steubenville's Jalen Minniefield ran for 98 yards and a touchdown in Big Red's 48-17 decision over host Wheeling Park. His touchdown run was from 65 yards.
Wheeling Park's Brennan Wack continued his outstanding season with 156 of the Patriots' 184 yards on the ground. He scored from 5 yards.
Barnesville's Trey Toliver rushed for 117 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 10 carries as the Shamrocks shellacked Shadyside 56-0 at Fleming Field. His TD runs covered 7 and 48 yards.
Wheeling Central's Isaac Martin picked up 122 yards and reached the end zone twice on short runs as the Maroon Knights rolled by Pittsburgh Perry, 41-12, at Bishop Schmitt Stadium on the campus of Wheeling University.
Martins Ferry's Tev'n Williams ran for 197 yards and three touchdowns as the Purple Riders steamrolled visiting Lancaster Fairfield Christian, 48-0, at Purple Rider Stadium inside the Dave Bruney Football Complex. Williams had scoring runs of 50, 84 and 25 yards, while also catching a six-point pass that covered 52 yards.
Brooke's Tristan Stevens picked up 126 yards and scored three touchdowns as the Bruins picked up their first win, 33-14, on the road over Lincoln County. His scoring runs covered 10, 54 and 32 yards.
Indian Creek's Zion McGee led a potent rushing attack in a 40-26 victory over host Bellaire at Nelson Field. The senior rambled for 140 yards, three touchdowns and a trio of two-point conversions - all coming in a 24-point second quarter. As a team the Redskins toted the ball an eye-popping 67 times for 320 yards and five TDs.
Union Local's Brody Perzanowski continued his fine season with 157 yards and a 59-yard TD run as the Jets remained unbeaten with a 41-14 conquest of homestanding Beaver Local.
Bellaire's Bradyn Beckett ran for 119 yards on 17 carries as the Big Reds fell to Indian Creek.
Airing It Out
Wheeling Central's Nico Kusic completed all 5 of his pass attempts for 102 yards and a pair of touchdowns, a 20-yard strike to Kade Koroneos and a 57-yarder to Caleb Golden. It was Kusic's second career start.
Steubenville's Aiden Davis was 12 of 17 for 195 yards and touchdown in his return to Wheeling Island Stadium. His six-pointer went to Brody Saccoccia from 17 yards. Davis also ran 6 yards for another score.
Martins Ferry's Ayden Ludolph completed 183 yards and a touchdown.
Union Local's Colby Carpenter completed just seven passes for they totalled 180 yards and two TDs.
Bellaire's Michael Dipple had 147 yards and two touchdowns. He completed half of his 16 attempts, with TD strikes going to Raekwon Pettigrew (15) and Luke Heatherington (11).