VALLEY VIEW AT TIOGA
The Tioga Bulldogs took a step toward advancing their program.
The Valley View Eagles are breathing a sigh of relief.
These teams, both of whom rebounded from opening losses with Week 2 victories, meet at Bulldog Stadium in Tioga Friday night.
Valley View went 12-3 and made the 2A-DI state semifinals in 2019 under first year coach Curtis King. They jumped to 3A-DII in 2020, however, and the schedule has become more treacherous for the Eagles. They went 1-9 in 2020 and 0-10 in 2021; their 36-27 victory at home over the Alford Bulldogs snapped a 12 game losing streak. It was their first win against a non-district opponent since they defeated the San Saba Golden Armadillos 14-12 in the state quarterfinals on December 6, 2019. Valley View joins Houston Northbrook (42 games) and San Antonio MacArthur (29 games) among teams that snapped long losing streaks in Week 2.
Freshman quarterback Tyson Price led the flock for the Eagles, passing for 154 yards and rushing for 93.
Tioga has had an interesting football journey. They fielded teams from 1929 to 1949, then discontinued the program until 2018. Upon revival, they’ve made the playoff 3 of the 4 seasons they’ve played, but have yet to post a winning record. Their last winning regular season, according to texashighschoolfootballhistory.com, was 4-2 in 1940.
Chad Rogers led the program to a 5-6 record last season, their most wins since going 6-4 in 1936. After Tioga’s 48-14 win at S&S Consolidated, Rogers named the 2A-DI Coach of the Week by the Padilla Poll. Coach Rogers his wife Leanne and son Chance are the only three members of a family to receive the 25th Padilla Poll Anniversary coin. Johnny Dorpinghaus, who rushed for 1,295 yards as a freshman in 2021, had 20 carries for 210 yards and 3 touchdowns, plus 2 receptions for 40 yards and a score.
Next week, Valley View will host the Lindsay Knights. Tioga will play at Bulldog Stadium again – but not their own Bulldog Stadium. They’ll face the Howe Bulldogs at their home field.
Mark Kusenberger
September 5, 2022
Read more from Mark on his blog at https://mkusenberger.wixsite.com/website/blog