Freeport nabs pivotal victory
Two of Class 3A’s top teams, the Freeport Yellow Jackets (6-1, 2-0) and the East Allegheny Wildcats (5-2, 1-1), met for a clash on the gridiron on Friday night. While both have a good portion of their schedule left, this one will go a long way in deciding the conference title. East Allegheny hasn’t sat on the throne since 2000 and Freeport hasn’t since 2015. The Yellow Jackets took one step closer to claiming their first conference title in seven years after taking down the Wildcats 35-13.
The Yellow Jackets received a stellar performance from Ben Lane, who ran for 254 yards and three touchdowns on the night. Lane had a few long runs in the clash, including a 74-yard touchdown rush. Quarterback Gavin Croney also had a very efficient game under center for the Yellow Jackets. He too had a couple of rushing touchdowns.
Freeport is outscoring conference opponents 50-20 now and will host winless Knoch next week. East Allegheny now shifts its focus to an away game against Deer Lakes next week.
More Class 3A
Deer Lakes 7, Valley 2: The Valley Vikings (1-6, 0-2) hosted their senior night with the Deer Lakes Lancers (4-3, 2-0) in town. But the Lancers spoiled the Vikings’ celebrations and held them to just two points. Valley’s only points came on a safety early in the second quarter. The two teams combined for just 134 yards in the first half. All it took was Aiden Detman’s third-quarter 2-yard rushing touchdown for Deer Lakes to pull away.
Southmoreland 36, South Allegheny 6: The Southmoreland Scotties ( 3- 4,1- 1) trounced the South Allegheny Gladiators (1-6, 0-2) behind a dominant performance from quarterback Kadin Keffer. Keffer was responsible for all five of the Scotties’ touchdowns, four of which came through the air. Ty Keffer had three receiving touchdowns in the win.
Belle Vernon 51, Greensburg Salem 7: The Belle Vernon Leopards (4-2, 2-0) dominated in their second consecutive conference game, taking down the Greensburg Salem Golden Lions (3-4, 0-2). The Golden Lions got on the board first with a 54-yard pick-six. The Leopards proceeded to score 51 unanswered points with Quinton Martin leading the way with 129 yards rushing. In two conference games, Belle Vernon has outscored opponents 101-7.
Avonworth 29, Beaver 3: The Avonworth Antelopes (6-1, 4-0) defended their home turf and took down the Beaver Bobcats (4-3, 1-2). The Antelopes’ defense kept the Bobcats out of the end zone, holding them to just a field goal. Beaver passed for just 32 yards and rushed for 6 yards. Quarterback Nate Harper threw for 155 yards and a touchdown in addition to 30 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Avonworth has now outscored its conference opponents 138-17.
South Park 44, Quaker Valley 14: The South Park Eagles (3-4, 2-2) picked up their second conference win, beating the Quaker Valley Quakers (15, 1-2). The Eagles scored 44 points in the first half before coasting to a win. South Park running back Eric Doerue continued to flourish in the run game, picking up 159 yards and four touchdowns. Doerue also led the Eagles in receiving with 43 yards.
Elizabeth Forward 42, Mount Pleasant 14: The Elizabeth Forward Warriors (7-0, 20) stayed undefeated behind a stout defense, shutting down the Mount Pleasant Vikings (43, 1-1). The Warriors’ defense has surrendered just 62 points through seven games this season with opponents averaging fewer than 10 points per game. Elizabeth Forward quarterback Zion White was efficient, throwing for 198 yards and four touchdowns. Zach Boyd racked up 213 allpurpose yards and three touchdowns, including a punt return for a score.