While it was far from their best effort, Deer Valley moved its record to 5-0 with a 28-7 Homecoming victory against the Vallejo Spartans Friday.

The most significant difference was mistakes. Vallejo turned the ball over three times and Deer Valley was able to score two touchdowns on the ensuing drives. The Wolverines also scored a safety when a poor snap on a punt attempt sailed over the head of the Vallejo punter.

Deer Valley’s first score came on a four-play, 86-yard drive. Running back Damon Collins was the star of the drive, first running for 31 yards to convert a third down, and on the following play, rambling 50 yards into the end zone. Brierly Lindberg made the PAT to give Deer Valley a 7-0 lead.

After another three-and-out for Vallejo, Deer Valley went 65 yards in nine plays to score again. The key play came on a third-and-23, when Williams threw a pass that appeared as though it would be intercepted. However, the Vallejo defender lost control of the ball, which was then grabbed Deer Valley’s Tim Jefferies to complete the 35-yard play. Two plays later, Brandon Williams scored on a 5-yard run. Lindberg’s missed PAT kept the score at 13-0.

After the safety and a Deer Valley three-and-out, Vallejo went on a drive that provided their only score of the game. The drive was aided by two Deer Valley penalties and three fourth-down conversions. To finish the drive, Vallejo tailback Aaron Brasher scored on a one yard run. Frank Emryan’s successful PAT cut the lead to 15-7 at halftime.

Following the break, the Wolverines scored two third-quarter touchdowns to put the game out of reach. The first came when Deer Valley parlayed a Vallejo fumble into a touchdown run by Brandon Williams, his second score of the night.

After a defensive stand, the Wolverines went on a 51-yard drive, capped off by a five yard quarterback keeper by Kristoff Williams on the final play of the third quarter. Lindberg’s second missed PAT and a scoreless final frame resulted in the final score, 28-7.

Valley Coach Rich Woods wasn’t as pleased by the effort as he was the result. “That was not a very well played game, ” he said. “It’s a win, that’s about all we feel about it. …We need to prepare better mentally, the kids know. There are a lot of distractions in Homecoming week that have been going on all week.”

While the teams performance may still need some adjustments, Woods is pleased with their start. “I feel really good about being 5-0,” he said, adding that upcoming opponents will pose a challenge. “I think they’re all going to be tough. Everybody is gunning for everybody. Pittsburg has some great athletes, Liberty is playing great, and Heritage is 4-1 after tonight. We aren’t going to overlook anybody.”

For their next game, Deer Valley, who is the only BVAL team to complete the non-league schedule undefeated, opens league play when the host Freedom on October 16.

Click here to view more photos from the game.