The game that both schools have been anticipating all season is finally here. In a battle of unbeatens, the Hillmen (7-0) and Bear River Bruins (7-0) will take the field tonight with the inside track to the PVL title on the line. Both teams boast strong lines on both sides of the ball, so one of the biggest keys to the game will be the battle in the trenches. The Hillmen offensive line of Jacob Capra, Diego Lopez, Logan Moore, Tyler Mader, and Alex Houston, Jack Petty, and Seth Horton have been phenomenal all season. This group will face perhaps one of their stiffest challenges of the season, but are more than ready for the challenge. Defensively, Bear River has been strong all season, allowing just under 11 points per game in PVL play. Gunnar Simpson leads the unit with eight sacks, 47 tackles, and six tackles for a loss. Connor Hollister, and Dave Mastrella are also having strong seasons for the Bruins. The Bear River defense will faced with the task of trying to slow down a potent Hillmen offense which as averaged 42.5 points per game in the PVL. Owen Scott (1067 total yards, 12 touchdowns) Waylen Cozad (591 yards rushing, six touchdowns), and Jared Halbert (561 yards, 10 touchdowns), have led a potent rushing attack. Derek Haney (210 yards, three touchdowns), and Joe Robinson (150 yards, two touchdowns), have had solid games receiving in recent weeks as well. Defensively, the Hillmen have only allowed one offensive touchdown to Bear River in three years, and will be looking to continue that trend. The defensive front of Michael Downen (59 tackles, eight sacks, 10 TFL), Logan Crawford (52 tackles, 4.5 sacks, six TFL), Simeon Engle (38 tackles, three sacks, two TFL), and Diego Lopez and Capra who have rotated in with each other have been lights out so far this season. Dallan Trentman (44 tackles, two TFL), Taylor Levesque (38 tackles, 2 TFL), and Derek Haney (28 tackles, 2 TFL) have been solid at the linebacker position. Ryan Huston, who leads the team with five interceptions, Cozad, Anthony Pierce, and Robinson have led the way in the secondary. This group will look to shut down WR Ben O’lena (397 yards, four touchdowns), Mostrella (151 yards receiving, 2 touchdowns), and running back Austin Baze (eight touchdowns). It promises to be an exciting night of action! if you can’t make it, tune in to KAHI 950 to hear all the action. Follow us on Twitter for live in-game scoring updates! The JV game will begin at 5:15pm. Check out Mike Ray’s article on tonight’s showdown in the Auburn Journal!
WHO WILL FALL?: Placer, Bear River prepare for epic PVL showdown
2015 Hillmen Football Schedule
2015 Pioneer Valley League Standings