Substate Showdown: Wildcats Edge Nodaway Valley
The West Central Valley Wildcats pulled off a 5-3 victory over Nodaway Valley in the Class 2A Substate 6 first‑round contest, earning a spot in the next round of play.
Early in the game the Wildcats struck first, plating two runs in the third inning to build a modest lead.
Nodaway Valley answered in the fifth, tying the contest at 2‑2 before the Wildcats rallied again in the bottom of that same inning to retake the advantage.
A two‑run burst in the sixth inning sealed the outcome, pushing the final margin to 5‑3 and sending the team home with a hard‑fought win.
Offensive production was anchored by RBIs from Jaxton Gurney, Caden Lane and Colton Lindsay, each contributing to the Wildcats’ scoring bursts.
On the mound, Tryce Dlouhy proved decisive, striking out nine batters over 4 ⅔ innings to keep the opposition at bay.
The win improved West Central Valley’s season record to 9‑19, while Nodaway Valley finished their campaign at 5‑19.
Looking ahead, the Wildcats are scheduled to meet the Bulldogs in Van Meter on Tuesday evening, with first pitch set for 7 p.m.