ARMAGH — Laurel Valley coach Jerry Page had a double reason to celebrate Friday night’s opening of the 2008 high school football campaign.
The venerable 75-year-old Page watched his Rams handily defeat cross-river rival United 30-6 in Heritage Conference action at Thomas Madill Field.
And, in the process, Page picked up victory No. 200 in an impressive career that has spanned 30 years.
Page actually contemplated retiring during the offseason due to a lingering knee ailment, and was visibly emotional in getting his milestone.
“I think the 200 wins was more important to my wife and family … they wouldn’t allow me to retire after last season,” Page said. “This is really an accomplishment by the entire Laurel Valley family. The credit goes to the assistant coaches who have been with me over the years and to the type of quality kids that have come through our system.
“I have to mention my wife in all of this. She has been so supportive, and so understanding – and I don’t know how many other adjectives I can add – for putting up with me and football all these years. I know I married the right woman,” Page said. “Who knows, she may even allow me to return for one more season, but that will be determined a little later down the road.”
Following a scoreless first quarter, which saw little offensive production by either squad, the Rams finally found the end zone early in the second, when Marcus Welshons broke through the left side of the United line and scampered 31 yards for the score. Patrick Hall’s PAT gave Laurel Valley a 7-0 lead.
The Lions came back on their next possession, with Kody Oliver plunging in from the 1. Tyler Capitosti’s extra-point attempt went wide right, giving Laurel Valley a one-point margin at the half.
But the second half belonged to Laurel Valley, as the Lions offense could not get untracked, and aided the Rams cause with numerous turnovers.
With time running out in the third quarter Welshons, who led all rushers with 71 yards, picked up his second touchdown of the night by racing 25 yards into the end zone.
Bryan Saxton’s explosive 69-yard burst at the 10:08 mark of the fourth iced the game for Laurel Valley, and a 30-yard score off an intercepted pass by cornerback Michael Crusan set the final.
“I have to congratulate Coach Page and Laurel Valley for its win. They took advantage of every mistake we made,” said 11th-year United coach Chris Matava. “Overall, I was pleased with our defensive effort, and I was stunned by the performance of our offensive unit. We made far too many mistakes, had too many turnovers, and committed too many penalties. We obviously weren’t ready to play. That’s my fault. We have a lot of work to do this week. We’ll be back.”
Laurel Valley will play host to Penns Manor next Saturday afternoon while United visits Ligonier Valley on Friday evening.
High School Sports
Page gets 200th career victory
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