Turnovers help Apple Valley hand Polk Middle first loss of season

This time, Polk County Middle had no last-play heroics.

The Wolverines suffered their first loss of the season Thursday, dropping a 14-8 decision at Apple Valley in Blue Ridge Conference play.

Polk Middle (3-1) opened the game with a drive that lasted the entire first period and into the second. But the Wolverines fumbled at the 3-yard line, and Apple Valley scored on the next play on a 96-yard run to take a 7-0 lead.

Polk County on its next drive answered as Angus Weaver bounced off two tacklers and scored on a 22-yard run. Weaver added the point after to give the Wolverines an 8-7 lead.

The score remained that way in the fourth period, when a Polk County pass was intercepted, giving Apple Valley possession in Wolverine territory. A 42-yard touchdown pass and extra point put the Knights in the lead.

Polk Middle, which won its previous two games on last-play touchdowns, fumbled the ensuing kickoff, but got the ball back late in the quarter and drove into Apple Valley territory before turning the ball over on downs in the final minute.

The Wolverines return to action on Thursday, traveling to Flat Rock for a 5 p.m. kickoff.