Neuqua Valley scores its first victory of the season, routing DeKalb

The win-loss columns have not been kind to Neuqua Valley this season. But Friday's night's football game against visiting DeKalb might have been what the doctor ordered.

The Wildcats (1-4) showed plenty of dominance as they beat the Barbs 35-12 in a Southwest Valley crossover.

A big part of that dominance came from junior running back Andrew Barkley who scored four touchdowns and led the way on offense.

His fourth and final touchdown was an 81-yard sprint that put the finishing touches on the victory. That score was a typical example of how Barkley had open space on the field.

“That was nice. I don't like getting touched on touchdowns,” he said.

The Wildcats were definitely hungry for the first win going into Friday night.

“We played for each other. There are some things to work on, but if we play like this the rest of the way it will be good,” Barkley said.

Ryan Mascari intercepted a Barbs pass 1:15 into the game and returned to the DeKalb 17-yard line, where Barkley ran into the end zone for his first TD.

Mascari, like the rest of the team, believes the team is capable of success the rest of the season.

“We have the discipline and can win games,” Mascari said.

Wildcats coach Bill Ellinghaus also praised receiver Danny Robinson.

“He is so fast. When he is open there is no stopping him,” Ellinghaus said.

DeKalb fell to 0-5 with the defeat.