Ste. Gen Outlasts Valle In Old Settlement Rivalry, 7-6

(STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo.) – In the 55th installment of the Old Settlement Rivalry, the Ste. Genevieve Dragons edged out the Valle Catholic Warriors by a score of 7-6 at Father John Dempsey Field Friday on J-98. The first quarter featured the game’s only two touchdowns, with Ste. Genevieve getting on the board first on a long pass play.

The PAT made it 7-0 Dragons. They followed up that touchdown with a takeaway, as Austin Kuehn made a pick.

However the turnover didn’t keep Valle quarterback Chase Dunlap down as he bounced back to find Tyler Blum through the air.

A bobbled snap by the holder resulted in a failed PAT, which kept the score at 7-6 Dragons all the way to halftime. Both teams changed possessions throughout the third period. In the fourth, with the Dragons knocking on the door of the end zone, Valle Catholic’s Tyler Blum denied them with an interception.

The Warriors couldn’t take advantage as the Ste. Genevieve defense stood strong and made a big special teams play.

Logan Gegg manned the quarterback position for most of the second half, running the ball on eight carries and gaining 47 yards. As he led the Dragons into the red zone, sophomore running back Darien Brown tried to punch it in for a knockout punch.

Valle had one more chance for a game-winning drive, but fell just a little short.

The Dragons earned their first victory over their cross-town rivals since 2012. Dragons head coach Ken Weik said he enjoyed the defensive battle.

Warriors head coach Judd Naeger said the loss hurts, but they can learn from it.

Ste. Genevieve improved to 2-0 with the victory and will visit Kennett next week. Valle Catholic fell to 1-1 and will take a trip to face Caruthersville Friday.

FULL INTERVIEW WITH DRAGONS COACH KEN WEIK: