Cole Gemberling, Tri-Valley. (Photo courtesy of First Class School Photography)

HEGINS — Tri-Valley’s strong running game set up its passing game in Friday’s season opener against York Catholic.

The Bulldogs rushed for 231 yards in its 50-14 rout of York Catholic, using the strong running of Parker Hatter to build a 30-0 halftime lead in the season opener for both squads.

Hatter carried the ball 13 times for 98 yards and three touchdowns, scoring on runs of 10, 7 and 17. Senior Cole Gemberling added a 1-yard TD run while junior Trey Porter and freshmen Jayce Hatter and Landon Horoschak each contributed to the team’s potent ground attack.

Having a strong run game helped the Bulldogs set themselves up to run some successful passing plays.

Porter, who normally plays wide receiver, filled in at quarterback with the Dawgs’ regular starting quarterback injured. Porter showed off his athletic skills by completing an 8-yard jump pass for a touchdown to Lucas Schwartz in the third quarter.

“He makes things happen,” Tri-Valley coach Jeff Sampson said of Porter. “He’s a heck of an athlete. That jump pass he had as he was going out of bounds was unbelievable.”

Porter, who finished 6-of-9 for 107 yards passing, completed the touchdown pass after avoiding a rush and making the throw heading toward the sideline.

“I thought I was sacked, but I broke loose and I saw an open receiver and I made the throw,” Porter said.

Tri-Valley followed Porter’s great play with another great play on defense.

On the first play of York Catholic’s next possession, senior Cooper Carl picked off a pass and went 23 yards for a pick-6 touchdown to make the score 44-0.

York Catholic ended Tri-Valley’s shutout bid with a pair of second-half touchdowns. Freshman Jayce Hatter capped the scoring in the fourth quarter with a 5-yard TD run.

Game Summary

Tri-Valley 50, York Catholic 14 

York Catholic               0          0          7          7 — 14

Tri-Valley                     14        16        14        6—   50

TV — P. Hatter 10 run (Hillard kick)

TV — P. Hatter 7 run (Hillard kick)

TV — Co. Gemberling 1 run (Hillard kick)

TV — Safety, quarterback sacked in end zone

TV — P. Hatter 17 run (Hillard kick)

TV — Schwartz 8 pass from Porter (Hillard kick)

TV — Carl 23 interception return (Hillard kick)

YC — Staub 30 run (Curry kick)

YC — Kipple 9 pass from Staub (Curry kick)

TV — J. Hatter 5 run (no attempt)

Team Statistics

York Catholic Tri-Valley

First Downs —- 10      19

Rushes-Yards — 22-150   33-231

Passes —- 7-12-1      6-9-0

Passing Yards —- 96      107

Total Yards —- 246      338

Fumbles/Lost —- 2-1     0-0

Penalties — 4-50    1-15

Individual Statistics

RUSHING: York Catholic –— Aristidle 12-78, Staub 2-31, Melhorn 6-17, Yingling 1-4, Goodman 1-2. Tri-Valley — P. Hatter 13-98, Co. Gemberling 7-37, Horoschak 6-36, Porter 4-32, J. Hatter 3-28

PASSING: York Catholic — Staub 7-12-1, 96. Tri-Valley — Porter 6-9-0, 107; Ch. Gemberling 0-1-0

RECEIVING: York Catholic — Murphy 3-41, Kipple 2-34, Fitze 1-14, Sibol 1-7. Tri-Valley — Carl 2-39, Flory 1-32, P. Hatter 1-14, Masser 1-14, Schwartz 1-8

INTERCEPTIONS: Tri-Valley — Carl