The term home sweet home has never been more appropriate.

After playing four of their first five contests on the road, Star Valley had no favors done for them on the schedule as they hosted 4-0 Powell on Friday afternoon for the Braves’ 2009 Homecoming game.

Star Valley scored four touchdowns and John Strang booted a 42-yard field goal as the Braves pummeled the visiting Panthers with a very aggressive defense.

It’s a result that will likely cause a few turned heads as the Braves rebounded from last week’s 21-0 drubbing in Worland.

The Crimson defense forced four turnovers and escorted Powell off the field on three more occasions on failed fourth down conversions to aid the Star Valley offense.

After a huge 58-yard catch and run by senior Elio Merino, senior Hayden Heap plunged in for the game’s first touchdown.  The PAT struck the left referee for the score to remain 6-0

Powell methodically moved the ball down the field to set up a goal line situation but could not convert as they kicked a short field goal.

It was the last points they would score as Star Valley immediately answered with a 60-yard touchdown sprint from sophomore Ridge Hillyard. A failed two-point conversion left the score 12-3.

After the first half had all but expired, the Panthers decided to snap the ball on a running clock with less than five seconds before intermission.  It was a costly mistake as Senior Sean Smith barreled into Keithen Schwahn, forcing a fumble.  Junior Payton Sandoval picked it up and ran into the end zone to put the Braves up 19-3 at the break with the ensuing PAT.

The defense scored another touchdown in the fourth quarter as sophomore T.J. Guild put together a highlight reel on a spectacular 40-yard interception return for the score.

The final score was a 42-yard field goal from Strang, who rebounded from the mishap on the first PAT nicely.

Star Valley held Powell running back, Billy Harshman, to 55 yards on 18 carries while Schwahn was forced to hoist 26 pass attempts while playing from behind.

The Panthers did compile 60 more yards of total offense on the game, but were forced to go the length of the field all afternoon long while Star Valley capitalized on good field position.

The Braves will be back on the road next week as they travel to Cody before returning home to play Lander and Jackson to close out the schedule.