Warriors’ defense frustrates Thayer

STE. GENEVIEVE — The Valle Catholic defense refused to break after Thayer crossed its 30-yard line on four separate occasions in the first half.

Tyler Fallert returned an interception 95 yards for a touchdown just before the intermission Wednesday night, and the Warriors advanced to the Class 1, District 1 championship game with a 44-15 victory.

Valle Catholic (9-2) achieved a continuous clock after extending a 26-0 lead at intermission, and will travel to top-seeded Portageville on Monday.

Fallert accounted for three rushing touchdowns while gaining 187 yards on 20 carries. His 71-yard burst capped the opening possession of the second half, and a 5-yard run created a 38-0 margin.

Valle committed four turnovers and suffered a physical toll up front as starting linemen Dylan Wolk and Jacob Trautman left with injuries.

Damian Jokerst raced 81 yards on the longest play from scrimmage, leading to a short scoring run by Warriors quarterback Nolan Wood, who was 5-of-9 passing for 132 yards.

Valle sparked the scoring on its opening drive with a 35-yard pass from Wood to Justin Roth. Trevor Klump caught a 60-yard touchdown strike to make it 20-0.

Thayer (6-5) dropped a potential touchdown pass in the endzone midway through the second quarter, and Fallert registered his pick-6 with six seconds left following a snap from the Valle 10.

Shelby Barton and Jacob Alford netted touchdown runs for the Bobcats within the last four minutes of action.

Jokerst recorded a sack on defense and added an 82-yard kickoff return for a touchdown with 3:46 remaining.