<a href="https://www.archyde.com/berlin-brothersvalley-claims-second-straight-district-5-1a-volleyball-championship/” title=”Berlin Brothersvalley Claims Second Straight District 5-1A Volleyball Championship”>Berlin Brothersvalley celebrates its back-to-back District 5-1A volleyball championship title, establishing itself as a dominant force in the league.
Check out the highlights capturing Berlin Brothersvalley’s thrilling District 5-1A volleyball championship triumph over Conemaugh Township.
(This article has been enhanced with a comprehensive photo gallery.)
BERLIN — Riding high after securing four wins in its last five games, the second-seeded Berlin Brothersvalley entered the District 5 Class 2A semifinal against fourth-seeded North Star with significant momentum and confidence.
Although the game did not feature a spectacular display of football prowess, the Mountaineers managed to build a narrow 3-point lead by halftime, ultimately clinching a commanding 30-14 victory, thus earning their place in the D5-2A championship match.
“Playing our best ball at the time of the year counts,” emphasized Berlin coach Doug Paul. “That’s what it’s all about. It’s fantastic to see Cooper Huston back at 100% tonight, just when we needed it most.”
Huston showcased his versatility, carrying the ball 30 times for a total of 88 yards while also being a formidable presence on defense. Meanwhile, senior quarterback Mac Foor shone brightly, completing passes for 164 yards and throwing two touchdowns, along with rushing for 60 yards and scoring two additional touchdowns. As the first-year starting quarterback, Foor is continuously improving as the postseason approaches.
“We realized that as seniors this is our last dance and we have to make the most of it,” Foor expressed. “We kept winning and kept pushing. The underclassmen motivate us as well, and we know they have our backs just like we have theirs.”
North Star (6-5) drew first blood with a standout play, thanks to a sensational 67-yard kickoff return by Ethan Smith right at the beginning of the game. On a crucial fourth-and-9, sophomore quarterback Kasey Yoder connected with a wide-open Jesse Samler for a 24-yard touchdown, putting the Cougars in the lead at 6-0 just 1:32 into the game.
Connor Montgomery pulled the Mountaineers within three, successfully converting a 29-yard field goal late in the first quarter.
There was no further scoring until just 1:17 remained in the first half. Berlin executed a flawless 80-yard drive, highlighted by a stunning hook-and-ladder play executed by Foor to Haydon Hutzell, who then tossed to Zander Ritenour for a total of 33 crucial yards. A personal foul against North Star on this play pushed the ball all the way down to the Cougars’ 23-yard line, contributing to their 95 yards worth of penalties throughout the game.
After a relentless push, Foor plunged into the end zone from 2 yards out on third down, giving Berlin a 9-6 lead at halftime.
Both teams struggled with ball security in the first half, culminating in three turnovers – two of them belonging to Berlin – during a tumultuous 23-second stretch at the close of the second quarter.
“I told the guys at halftime we just had to get to the locker room,” Paul reflected on the chaotic first half. “There were numerous things happening that were beyond our control. We typically don’t huddle, but we switched to a huddling approach. Once we reached halftime, I felt confident we’d be just fine.”
Berlin (7-4) extended its lead on the opening series of the second half. The Mountaineers methodically ran nearly 6 minutes off the clock, completing a 65-yard drive over 10 plays, culminating in a 38-yard touchdown pass from Foor to Ritenour. After Montgomery’s kick was good, Berlin surged ahead 16-6 with 6:22 remaining.
Foor tallied his second rushing touchdown of the game moments later, scoring from 11 yards out just 4 seconds into the fourth quarter, further extending Berlin’s lead to 23-6.
North Star showed brief signs of life on its next possession. Yoder connected with Smith on a short pass that turned into a dynamic 45-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 23-14 after a successful two-point conversion.
Despite a much-needed defensive stand by the Cougars, they were unable to capitalize on the momentum. Yoder was intercepted by Hutzell, and moments later, Foor found Hutzell again, this time for a 13-yard touchdown reception that sealed the game.
“We can’t turn the ball over. Can’t have that in a playoff game,” acknowledged North Star coach Bob Landis. “I thought our guys played hard. I was proud of our effort. The guys flew around all night.”
In the championship matchup, Berlin will face the top-seeded Bedford, who triumphed over Chestnut Ridge with a score of 27-10. The Mountaineers previously bested the Bisons 27-12 in the 2022 District 5-8 Class 2A semifinals, raising expectations for this playoff confrontation at 7 p.m. on Friday at Windber Stadium.
Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.
**Interview with Coach Doug Paul of Berlin Brothersvalley Football Team**
**Interviewer:** Coach Paul, congratulations on securing your place in the District 5-2A championship match! It seems like the performance against North Star was pivotal. How do you feel about the team’s overall performance last night?
**Coach Doug Paul:** Thank you! I’m really pleased with how the team pulled together. We faced some challenges early in the game, especially with our ball security, but we managed to keep our composure and execute when it counted. It was all about making adjustments during halftime, and the boys responded well.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the importance of playing your best ball at this time of the year. What do you think contributed to your team’s confident play leading up to this semifinal?
**Coach Doug Paul:** Momentum is crucial in the postseason. We had four wins in our last five games, which built our confidence and belief in each other. Having Cooper Huston back at 100% added to our strength both on offense and defense, and Mac Foor’s growth as a first-year starter has really elevated our game.
**Interviewer:** Mac Foor had quite an impressive game, accounting for multiple touchdowns and throwing for over 160 yards. Can you talk about his development and the leadership role he plays on the team?
**Coach Doug Paul:** Mac has shown tremendous growth throughout the season. He’s become more comfortable in the pocket and is making smarter decisions. His leadership as a senior is undeniable—he understands this is his last chance and is focused on making the most of it. He keeps pushing not just himself but his teammates as well; it’s great to see.
**Interviewer:** The game had its ups and downs, especially with turnovers on both sides. How did you address those issues with the team during halftime?
**Coach Doug Paul:** At halftime, I emphasized the need for focus and composure. We had to get to the locker room and reset our minds. We decided to switch to a huddling approach, which is not typical for us, but it allowed for better communication. We had to focus on executing our game plan without letting outside distractions get in the way.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what are your thoughts on preparing for the championship match? What will be crucial for your team’s success?
**Coach Doug Paul:** Preparation is key. We need to continue to build on what we did well against North Star and learn from our mistakes. Ball security will be vital, as well as maintaining our composure under pressure. We’ll focus on executing our plays and playing our game—if we do that, we’ll be in good shape.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Coach Paul. Best of luck in the championship match!
**Coach Doug Paul:** Thank you! We appreciate the support!