PHOTO: Indian Valley’s Grady Kinsey evades a Jonathan Alder defender
Indian Valley’s run towards a second straight state title came to an end Friday night at Hines Stadium in Minerva.
After falling behind in the first half, the Braves mounted a fierce comeback that saw them take a one-point lead in the fourth quarter, but Glenville had not just a final drive, but enough defense to get a final stop in holding on for a 26-21 win in the Division IV state semifinal game.
The Braves bow out of the tournament with a record of 12-1, but with the following notes: – It was Indian Valley’s first loss since Nov. 10, 2023, a 42-35 playoff loss to Steubenville.
– Indian Valley’s win streak ended after 28 straight wins, including a streak of nine straight playoff wins and Tuscarawas County’s first state championship in 2024.
– The Braves have not lost a regular-season game since Sept. 29, 2023 against Garaway.
The Tarblooders, 2022 and 2023 state champions, will play undefeated Shelby for the Division IV state title Friday morning at Canton.
The game wrapped up the career of Grady Kinsey, who will play for the Air Force Academy next season. He finished the game with 128 yards and two touchdowns. His season ended with just over 2,700 yards and 42 touchdowns.
Career-wise, Kinsey finished with just over 8,600 rushing yards and state records in most career rushing touchdowns and most total career touchdowns.
“He’s a once in a generation player,” Indian Valley coach Matt Lancaster said of the two-time Mr. Football finalist. “I’ve never had anybody as talented as him.You’re lucky as a coach to get one like him.
“Beyond that, he’s not just a great football player, he’s a great young man. He’ll always be a part of our lives and our family and it’s been a blessing to watch him play and get to coach him.”
The game was all Glenville in the first half. The Tarblooders led 12-0 at halftime and stretched their lead to 20-0, before Indian Valley’s grit and determination took hold.
Glenville scored on its opening drive of the third quarter, but Indian Valley got on the board with a big strike in the third frame.
Quarterback Ryker Williams heaved a long pass to Carsen Hostetler that was tipped by defender Aaron Scales in coverage. Hostetler came down with the ball and raced to the end zone for Indian Valley’s first score with 6:42 to play.
Less than a minute later, Williams snatched the ball away from Glenville running back Romell Phillips to set up a 13-yard touchdown by Kinsey that made the score 20-14.
The Braves recovered an onside kick and Kinsey scored from the 3 early in the fourth quarter to put the Braves up 21-20 with 10:56 left in the game.
“You keep fighting and doing things right and good things are going to happen,” Lancaster said. “We knew were outmatched at most positions, except for maybe one. But I’m just proud of our grit.
“We had a lot of problems blocking their linebackers and their D-line because they’re that good. They’ve got a lot of Division I talent that is going to play at the next level and it showed tonight.”
The Tarblooders had another drive in them, however, getting a 5-yard touchdown Da’von McDougle to take a 26-20 lead.
The Braves had time for a final drive to get the win, but were stopped on downs at the 20 with less than two minutes to play.
“We’ve got a whole lot of tough dudes on our team, guys who are going to do great things when they’re older,” Kinsey said, when discussing his team’s comeback.
“I knew I was approaching the record, but at the end of the day, that’s not what this is about. It’s more about getting to the next week successful and healthy. Thankfully, we got both done tonight.”
