Top Plays of Week 3 Around the Valley

Week 3 of the Valley’s high‑school football season was a roller‑coaster of big hits, breakaway runs and a few jaw‑dropping moments that had fans on the edge of their seats. If you missed the action, don’t worry – we’ve gathered the highlights so you can relive the most electrifying plays.

Zayden Bromley’s record‑setting debut. The junior running back for Salt Fork turned the Storm’s home opener into a personal showcase, tallying five touchdowns – four of them in the first quarter. He ripped off a 50‑yard sprint, followed it up with a 15‑yard dash, a 12‑yard reception and capped the quarter with a 65‑yard rush. He added a 40‑yard run in the second period to seal a 42‑0 victory over Hoopeston Area/Armstrong‑Potomac. “I just kept seeing the gaps,” Bromley said, grinning after the game. “When they open, you run.”

Braxten Conaway leading the Valley Indians. Quarterback Conaway has been the talk of the town, throwing five touchdown passes in the last two weeks. In the showdown against Waverly, he threaded a perfect 28‑yard strike to senior receiver Blake Lundy in the fourth quarter, extending the Indians’ unbeaten run to 3‑0. “We just keep feeding the ball and trusting each other,” Conaway explained. “If we’re on the same page, the defense can’t catch us.”

Southern Columbia’s gritty comeback. The Tigers’ 30‑12 win over Williams Valley looked comfortable on the scoreboard, but the game was tighter than most realized. Southern Columbia led 8‑6 early, then exploded in the third quarter. Halfback Grady Garcia reflected on the lesson learned: “Week 2 we slipped up; this week we reminded ourselves what it takes to finish strong.” The Tigers’ surge was powered by a 42‑yard run from Garcia that set up a short touchdown pass.

Defensive heroics from the Westside Hawks. In a clash that pitted two top‑ranked squads against each other, the Hawks’ defensive line forced three turnovers in the second half, including a game‑changing strip‑sack on the opposing quarterback’s fourth pass attempt. The turnover led to a 10‑point swing and ultimately a 42‑31 victory over La Cueva, cementing the Hawks’ claim as one of Class 6A’s elite teams.

All told, Week 3 delivered a blend of raw talent, strategic fireworks and a few surprise twists that kept the Valley buzzing. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or just tuning in for the drama, these plays are worth a replay. Keep an eye out next week – the season’s only getting hotter.