Cv’s Title, Nc’s Win Generate Excitement

Thursday was a night for firsts, and by the time the lights went out at Albi Stadium, it was hard to tell who was more excited.

The Central Valley Bears won their first outright Greater Spokane League football title with a 36-13 win over Ferris.

Two hours later, North Central finally won its first game, surviving crucial turnovers and big penalties to edge Rogers 13-7 in the battle of winless teams.

The doubleheader drew 1,807 shivering fans.

The sixth-ranked Bears, who will open the State AAA playoffs at Albi in two weeks after a non-league game next weekend, took care of business early, racing to a 29-0 halftime lead.

The Indians, on the other hand, couldn’t relax until a Jerry Holdren interception at the NC 6 with 1:57 to play.

“Well, the first part of our goal is taken care off,” CV coach Rick Giampietri said. “Now the next part of it is ahead. We hope to have a good run through the playoffs.”

R.J. DelMese, CV’s quarterback, had modest numbers but he was an unsung hero who contributed good decisions and precision passing, said, “It’s been a fun year and it’s not over. Me, Ricky (Giampietri, the coach’s son), Chris Burkland, we’ve talked since the third grade about an undefeated GSL season.”

Holdren was just as satisfied after North Central’s first win.

“Our team is full of heart, I never had a doubt,” he said. “These guys never quit. Everyone came up big in the clutch, made big plays.

“It’s only one win to most teams, but to me, it’s the season.

“It was sort of bend but don’t break. It was like a play here and a play there, but we came back with a bigger play.”

Tonight’s Albi games have University playing Gonzaga Prep at 5:45 and Shadle Park facing Lewis and Clark at 8:30.

, DataTimes