In the photo, the Valley Lumberjack offense, left, gets ready to rock-n- roll to open the 2011 season, while the Weirton Madonna defense gets ready to stop the ‘Jacks from making any noise. At the top of the photo, a “Lumberjack” stands on his bulldozer to supervise renovations being made to Tom West Stadium. A number of Lumberjack football boosters are trying to spruce up the playing area in preparation of Valley’s game with the Hundred Hornets Sept. 9 when fans will be admitted free in honor of our military and in remembrance of the victims lost on September 11, 2001. (All Photo’s taken by Bruce Crawford)

Weirton Madonna scored on its first four possessions to take a 30-0 lead and held on to win a 37-12 decision at the new-look Tom West Field in Pine Grove Aug. 26.

A moment of silence was given to Lumberjack fan and youth coach Jaydee Dallison, who lost his life as the result of an accident earlier in the week. Also, the ‘Jacks wore his jersey, #84, on their helmets, painted it on the press box and in the middle of the field.

In New Martinsville, during the 7-8 grade Grid-O-Rama, the Eagles also wore a decal of Dallison’s number on their helmets. It was a deja-vu moment at Valley, where a member of the community has been lost during football season.

Madonna won the toss and elected to receive. But they were stopped cold in the backfield by Casey Pingley and Jon Smallwood on the Blue Don’s first two plays from scrimmage. Faced with a third and long, Madonna through a bomb that sailed over the head of its intended receiver. A late holding flag from the line judge gave the guests from Weirton new life.

It didn’t take them long, as two plays later, Madonna converted a 28-yard pass down the middle and a 26-yard run to move the chains. The Blue Don signal caller finished the first drive on a two-yard keeper that gave the Dons an 8-0 lead after the two-point conversion.

The ‘Jacks front line fell on the ball at midfield, but couldn’t take advantage of the good field possession. Madonna would make its way to another TD on a 69-yard pitch and catch.

The Blue Dons struck gold on the opening play of the second period on a 71-yard TD run and again on their next possession on a 25-yard strike for a comfortable, 30-0 lead.

While Weirton was putting together quick successful drives that resulted in scores, the ‘Jacks went on long drives, with several going inside the Blue Dons’ 30-yard line, twice stopping short on fourth down.

“We just made too many mistakes when we got down into their territory,” said Valley Head Coach Tom West. “That we will correct. We had some things going for us both offensively and defensively, but shot ourselves in the foot with mistakes.”

The Lumberjacks had the ball offensively for 16 minutes of the first half and came away with no points.

Pingley rushed for 131 yards on 25 carries, including a dazzling 92-yard TD run late in the game. He also caught an 11-yard TD throw from quarterback Hunter Ring to open the second half that capped off an impressive 70-yard 13-play drive lasting more than seven minutes. Those were the only two Lumberjack scores.

“Our first drive in the second half against a very good football team shows the capabilities that our offense has,” said West. “I thought our quarterback, Hunter Ring, did an outstanding job of managing the game. He made some poor choices a time or two, but he knows that. We need to fix the little things, and we will be a better team when we correct those mistakes.”

Madonna’s no-huddle offense rushed for 119-yards, while the Lumberjacks ground game accounted for 194-yards. Through the air, Madonna was 8-9 for 221-yards, while the run-happy ‘Jacks tossed 8-12 for 101 yards and a TD, all by Ring. Clay Ueltschy hauled in four passes for 71-yards, while Troy Hubbard and Drew Wade caught one pass each and Pingley hauled in a pair.

Besides Pingley’s rushing, Smallwood bullied his way for 24 yards on seven totes, while Ring and Wade combined for 51-yards on 10 carries. Valley moved the chains 13 times, one more than Madonna. But the ‘Jacks had one less penalty than their guests with seven.

Defensively, Pingley led the way with 10 tackles, while Ueltschy and Smallwood each added six stops and combined for two and a half sacks. Spencer Mason and Ring brought down seven Blue Dons each, while TC Long was credited with half a sack.

On Sept. 9, in honor of our military during the Valley/Hundred football game, Valley will honor and remember the victims lost on 9/11. Valley High School has gone beyond the call by honoring our military and veterans. Both Hundred and Valley bands will perform patriotic songs, there will be a 21-gun salute and taps will be played for all are fallen veterans. The Pine Grove American Legion Post will assist with the ceremonies.

To help commemorate this event, Valley coaches, players and band members will wear camouflage pattern shirts and jerseys. Also, there will be shirts available to purchase at the game. Everyone attending this game will be admitted free and the ‘Jacks welcome all the surrounding communities to come and participate in this well-worth program.

There will be other activities planned for this event and more details will be in next week’s sports section.

Before they play Hundred on Sept. 9, the Lumberjacks will host the Cameron Dragons on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.