The Martins

HAZELTON - Wendell opened the 2008 season with a blowout of Valley. This year's game was the polar opposite.The Trojans lined up on the 10-yard line for their first overtime attempt Friday, with the Vikings ahead by six.

Three plays later, Wendell claimed a 14-12 victory in Hazelton."Every time we thought, 'Here we go,' something would happen," Wendell head coach Brad Neuendorf said. "A penalty, a fumble. It was a constant struggle."They never quit."Wendell tailbacks Ty Martin and Ryan Slade each rushed for five yards on the Trojans' OT possession, with Slade crossing the goal line to tie the game at 12-12. Slade converted the 2-point try for the victory. He carried 10 times for 81 yards in regulation.

The Vikings got the ball first in overtime and scored in two plays. Although the second play nearly fell apart, quarterback Brogen Reed scrambled to find the end zone from 10 yards out to put his team up 12-6. The attempted 2-point conversion failed, which left the Vikings vulnerable.As head coach Brian Ayers said, it was one of many missed opportunities."For an opener, the kids pulled together," Ayers said. "But mistakes cost us in the end. This is a learning process. We'll get better week to week."The teams battled throughout the game but both offenses stalled over and over through three-and-a-half quarters. Opportunity after opportunity was missed by each side, resulting in a scoreless game until the 7:02 mark of the fourth quarter, when Valley was able to complete a scoring drive.

The Vikings started on their 32-yard line with 10 minutes to go in the game and drove down the field in five plays, highlighted by Derek Gerratt's 40-yard reception. He finished with 110 yards on seven catches. Reed completed 7 of 10 for 97 yards.Wendell chewed up the final three minutes of the fourth to head 64 yards downfield. A pass interference call on Valley on a Trojan fourth down kept the final drive alive.

Quarterback Cody Wilhelm, after throwing four straight incomplete passes, tried to connect with John Campbell in the right side of the end zone, but with defenders on him, he bobbled the ball around. Receiver Cayden Williams came down with it."I saw it pop up and I just snagged it out of the air," Williams said. "It's a lucky grab, but it was a game-changing play right there.

"Wendell (1-0) will host Wood River on Friday for homecoming,

while Valley (0-1) travels to Gooding.

Wendell 14,

Valley 12, OT

Wendell 0 0 0 6 8 " 14

Valley 0 0 0 6 6 " 12