Spring Valley's Jalyn Abercrombie (4), right, prepares to take the ball from Liam McGuire (15) as the Spring Valley High School football team takes on George Washington on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, at Spring Valley.
Spring Valley's Jalyn Abercrombie (4), right, prepares to take the ball from Liam McGuire (15) as the Spring Valley High School football team takes on George Washington on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, at Spring Valley.
HUNTINGTON Ƶ The first and last touchdowns of Spring ValleyƵs 28-18 victory over George Washington in high school football Friday night had one thing in common Ƶ the ball was in the hands of No. 4.
Jalyn Abercrombie, who has emerged as the TimberwolvesƵ top offensive threat this season, tallied 108 yards of offense in the victory, 93 through the air and 15 on the ground.
ƵThey were doing a good job doubling on J and took some stuff away but he made some plays when he got in single coverage,Ƶ Spring Valley head coach Brad Dingess said. ƵWe got the ball to him in some space, which was good.Ƶ
ƵGoodƵ might be an understatement.
Abercrombie made the first big offensive splash for either team with a 69-yard touchdown reception. Making the catch was only half the battle. Abercrombie juked a pair of defenders, cutting back to the middle of the field and sprinting diagonally to the other sideline where he finally reached the end zone.
ƵHeƵs tough to defend,Ƶ GW head coach Steve Edwards Jr. said of Abercrombie. ƵThe times we got pressure (on the quarterback) we were able to stop the pass but heƵs a pretty good athlete and faster than anybody weƵve got so when he gets out there on the loose, heƵs tough to handle.Ƶ
In the fourth quarter, Abercrombie took a handoff and took it in for a 15-yard touchdown, his first and only carry of the contest.
ƵCoach said he needed a play and went to me, IƵm that go-to guy and so I said just to get me the ball and IƵll get the touchdown,Ƶ a confident Abercrombie said of his scoring plays. ƵI feel like no one can guard me and IƵm the best in the state so whoever is guarding me, IƵm giving it everything I have. ItƵs as simple as that.Ƶ
In addition to his offensive performance, Abercrombie also made plays on the other side of the ball, including an interception on a two-point conversion in the second half.
ƵHis football IQ is going up, he does a great job in space and it just opens up everything else up,Ƶ Dingess said. ƵSometimes he doesnƵt get a whole lot of touches but he opens up everything for us and he was a big weapon tonight.Ƶ
While Abercrombie plays well on both offense and defense, he has a preference.
ƵI like offense,Ƶ Abercrombie said. ƵGotta get my touchdowns.Ƶ
The win was Spring ValleyƵs second consecutive after dropping a pair of contests to Jefferson and Hurricane. Dingess said he was proud of the teamƵs response entering an off week with an overall record of 3-2.
ƵWe took a stumble those two weeks but our kids are resilient, battled back and didnƵt hang their heads after losing two in a row,Ƶ Dingess said. ƵI think weƵve beat two quality opponents back-to-back weeks (Cabell Midland and GW) and this will be a good week to heal up some and then make a second half run.Ƶ
Luke Creasy is a sports reporter for HD Media. He can be reached by phone at 304-526-2800.
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