Redbank’s Clouse twins lead South to 20-0 Varischetti All Star win
By Bees O’Brien
BROCKWAY- Uncertainty swirled throughout Frank Varischetti Field in Brockway on Friday night. Rumblings in regards to the future of the D9 League following Elk County Catholic’s elimination of their football program earlier in the week were followed by the possibility that Sheffield may follow after the conclusion of the 2024 season. It was an unfortunate highlight amongst those in attendance at the 9th Annual Frank Varischetti D9 League All Star game.
For Noah Cherry and Alex Gahr, they would be the last ECC Crusaders to represent their school on the gridiron and they would make the most of it, but it would be Redbank Valley’s standout twins Mason and Owen Clouse that would steal the spotlight for the South.
Owen, who was originally selected as a kicker would be called on to play quarterback following Brookville’s Charlie Krug not being cleared for Friday night’s contest. Owen Clouse looked as though he had played quarterback his entire career.
Owen Clouse would toss for 190 yards on 11 of 16 attempts to be named the South offensive MVP. He would also run for a score late in the fourth quarter.
His twin brother Mason was critical in stopping the North’s ineffective offensive scheme throughout the night. His efforts would earn him the South defensive MVP.
The South took an early 7-0 lead following a 7-yard Mason Clouse run that was capped off with a PAT kick from Owen Clouse.
The game seen plenty of intensity with multiple offsetting personal foul calls following skirmishes between players.
Punxsutawney’s Landon Martz would give the South a 13-0 lead following a 1-yard run, but an Owen Clouse missed PAT gave the North hope.
The North finally found a groove behind their sluggish running attack by traveling 54 yards on a 13 play drive, but the bigger and more athletic South defensive unit would stop the North at the 10-yard line as the half drew to a close.
The North began the second half at the 50-yard line, but penalties and a lack of an effective offensive scheme would drive them back 19 yards and force a punt.
Owen Clouse would cap off the scoring late in the fourth quarter with an 8-yard scoring run. He would then drive his PAT attempt home to set the 20-0.
Bucktail standouts Johnny Green and Braylon Fantaski seen a lot of playing time. Green played in all but one offensive snap at tackle. Fantaski played every defensive snap at cornerback making three tackles and not allowing a reception. Daniel Gavlock, the Bucks’ third player participating in the game seen plenty of playing time in the second half and would be paired with Green at both right guard and left guard.
Gavlock also received a $1,000 Waste Management scholarship awarded prior to kickoff.
Peyton Stiles of Port Allegany was named North offensive MVP, while St. Mary’s standout Mason Sheeley was named North defensive MVP.
Stiles rushed for a team-high 35 yards on just 7 totes.
Despite the loss, the North still leads the overall series 5-4.
