By MIKE MUNDY
The Press-News
The Sandy Valley Cardinals got a monster performance from sophomore quarterback Sam Groff in their season opener but fell victim to a potent Indian Valley offense in a 34-28 loss. Groff totaled 399 yards of offense through the air and on the ground.
The Cardinals scored first early in the second quarter on a 14-yard score to Zak Monte from Groff. A Cody Hughes PAT made it 7-0. However, the Braves Dakota Sentz scored on a short run and the point after tied it. This was just the beginning for Sentz who would rush for 196 yards on 37 carries and scored three times.
The Cardinals answered on a Groff-to-Monte score of 12 yards, and Hughes improved the score to 14-7. Sentz responded on a short run and the PAT tied the score.
Sandy answered in sensational fashion at the 0:11 mark on a 62-yard Groff pass to, yes-- Zak Monte. Hughes gave Sandy a 21-14 advantage at halftime.
Dominic Bell brought the Braves within one and a PAT tied the score at 21-21.
Ty Mehilis then scored for the Cardinals early in the fourth quarter, and Hughes improved the score to 28-20. Dusty Byers brought the Braves within two but a conversion pass failed.
Sentz then sent his Braves home a winner by scoring from 22 yards out and a conversion run increased the lead to the final of 34-28.
On the night, Sandy totaled 484 yards of offense to 362 for the Braves who held a 22-16 advantage in first downs.
Groff hit 21-of-33 passes for 319 yards and the three scores while Indian Valley passed for just 96. He also rushed for 80 yards while Mehilis added 59 yards on five carries. The Cardinals undoing came as a result of three lost fumbles.
The Cardinals host East Canton this Friday in the battle of backdoor rivals.
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