Rhea County edges Walker Valley 35-34 in 4-5A showdown [photos]

EVENSVILLE, Tenn. – Vintage ground-and-pound proved too much, by a single point, over the modern spread passing attack in a crucial Region 4-5A football shootout Friday as Rhea County held on for a 35-34 victory over Walker Valley.

Even with all of Rhea’s ball-control running, the game’s outcome hinged on a single play as the clock ticked down.

The quick-strike Mustangs gave it their all, closing to within a point with two minutes to play after twice erasing the Eagles’ two-touchdown advantage.

Down by a point with 2:39 remaining, 10th-ranked Walker Valley (6-3, 3-2) went for two points, but sensational passer Kolten Gibson was bumped by Tyler Brown just as he released the ball. That pass sailed over the outstretched arms of a wide-open receiver.

“There was no way we were going overtime, not with the way they can grind it out,” Mustangs coach Glen Ryan said. “We all decided if we scored we’d go for two right there, and if we didn’t get it, we’d try to onside it again.”