When it comes to the Marsh Valley Eagles, the Braves haven’t had much success.  In terms of wins in fact, they’ve had no success, going 0-4 in the last four years against the hard running squad.  That all changed Friday night as the Braves celebrated Homecoming in style with a 21-14 OT win.

It was an inauspicious start for the Braves offense, but the defense refused to be bullied as they slowed down the power running game of the Eagles.  Star Valley struck first with a methodical aerial attack which culminated with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Tyson Bagley.

The Eagles struck back with an impressive drive which ended with a 7-yard touchdown run from Dylan Bybee.  After a 7-7 halftime intermission, the Eagles struck again after a huge 63-yard run from Bybee which saw him score on a deftly executed 9-yard touchdown pass reception.

Trailing 14-7, the Braves answered with a 52-yard touchdown strike to Kyle Rosenbaum who had to make the catch in traffic and then outraced the Eagles to the goal line.  With both defenses standing tough, the contest went to overtime.

The Braves received the ball first from the ten-yard line, struggling to move against the Eagle defense.  Coach Chris Howell used a height advantage with Jon Scherbel in the end-zone on two occasions and drew pass interference penalties from the officials to give the Braves new life.  Finally, after ten plays inside the ten yard line, Mark Van Slyke caught a short pass and fought through a tackle for the go-ahead score.  Van Slyke also was 3-for-3 on PAT attempts and gave the Braves the 21-14 lead.

The Eagles were called for motion and holding penalties, but still it came down to a fourth and goal from the five yard line.  The Phillip Hansen pass was tipped up in the air and intercepted in the end zone by Jon Shumway.

The win is the first victory over an Idaho school since 2002 and Star Valley’s first win this season.

The Independent wishes to congratulate an amazing home crowd, the SVHS Pep Band, the Cheerleaders and the Brave Cadettes for a fabulous evening.  Of course the biggest praise goes to  the coaching staff and the Braves themselves for their fine efforts.  Congratulations Braves, you earned it!

Of course a big congratulations must go out to Head Coach Chris Howell for his first win at Star Valley High School.