Fortugna, Woods see similarities in opponents
Uniontown’s John Fortugna and Beth-Center’s Ed Woods both noticed similarities with tonight’s opponents in the quarterfinal round of the WPIAL football playoffs. Fortugna saw Greenburg Salem in Class AAA opponent Hampton, while Woods feels he sees a lot of his own team in Class A opponent Laurel. Uniontown travels to Yough with Beth-Center hitting the highway to Beaver. Both games begin at 7:30 p.m.
“They’re similar to Greensburg Salem. They’re an aggressive football team. They’re a big team, especially the running back and offensive line,” said Fortugna.
Leading the running game for the Talbots is Andrew Bly. The 6-0, 205-pound senior has gained 1,163 yards this season, and led Hampton to a 19-7 upset win over third-seeded Chartiers Valley last week by scoring all three touchdowns on runs of 4, 43 and 4 yards while gaining 179 yards on 35 carries.
Quarterback Phil Powell (6-0,165) has completed 49-of-110 passes for 636 yards with six touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Bill Young (6-1, 175) is his favorite target with 21 receptions for 221 yards and two touchdowns.
“They are well-coached,” said Fortugna of the Talbots, who improved to 6-4 with the playoff win. “They play in a tough conference (Greater Allegheny). They are very impressive.”
Uniontown snapped an over four-decades long streak of one-and-out in the WPIAL playoffs with a thrilling 21-20 home victory over Belle Vernon with a passing touchdown (47-yarder from Lucas Mosco to Kris John), a rushing touchdown (3-yards by Arnold Walker), and return (26-yard interception return by Fred Johnson).
Walker is just shy of a 1,000 yards rushing, and has scored 14 touchdowns on the ground. He’s also tied for the team lead in receptions with Aaron Prescott, catching 14 passes for 262 yards and four touchdowns.
Lucas Mosco stepped into the quarterback position when Emilio Scalese was injured, and responded by completing 47-of-98 attempts for 681 yards. He’s also the Red Raiders kicker, securing last week’s win by nailing all three extra point attempts.
“We took a look at the film, and made some changes,” said Fortugna.
The Red Raiders coach has been pleased with his squad’s work ethic coming into tonight’s game, something he believes bodes well.
“Everybody is healthy. We had a great week of practice. They’re getting it done,” said Fortugna.
The two teams met in the 2005 playoffs with the Talbots taking advantage of five interceptions for a 35-7 victory.
“We can’t turn the ball over. They score a lot of points. They’re very similar to us.
“We match up very well.”
The Bulldogs opened with a convincing 38-17 win over Serra Catholic, while second-seeded Laurel routed Burgettstown, 55-7. The Spartans’ Dylan Jones scored on runs of 11, 2, and 85 yards, gaining 163 yards on the ground. Dan Poremski had two rushing touchdowns (7, 16), while Jake Dando caught a 28-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Forbes and ran back a punt 58 yards for a score.
Laurel outgained Burgettstown, 422-81, including 339 yards rushing.
The Blue Devils are a common opponent as Burgettstown slipped past Beth-Center, 7-6, early in the season. The Spartans are 9-1, winning their last five games. Beth-Center is 8-2 with single-point losses to Burgettstown and Monessen (13-12).
“They’re awfully a lot like us offensively. They use multiple sets, and they’re a big, strong football team,” said Woods. “They’re solid from end to end, and loaded with upperclassmen.”
The Bulldogs present an offense that has three players with over 400 yards rushing. Jake Sofran leads the team with 513 yards rushing and seven touchdowns on 107 carries. Jordan Kinder has 476 yards rushing and five touchdowns on 85 carries, and Deshan Brown has gained 411 yards and seven touchdowns on 85 carries.
Quarterback Sal Faieta has completed 62-of-129 passes for 942 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s also gained 183 yards on the ground and scored four rushing touchdowns.
“We did a nice job throwing the ball. They have to be concerned about our quarterback,” said Woods. “Our kids got after it on defense, and our special teams are solid.
“Right now we’re clicking on every phase of the game. The kids have bought into (our system). All of our kids, except the freshmen, have playoff experience.”
An added bonus in his preparation for the game was obtaining permission to practice on California High School’s new turf field.
“Practicing at California is a big plus. I’m real thankful,” said Woods, adding his Bulldogs have not played on an artificial surface this season.
“We can’t make mistakes and beat this team. We have to play smart, and be aggressive on every play,” said Woods.
While Mount Pleasant’s perfect record remained unscathed, the Vikings’ lineup did not. The undefeated Vikings lost leading rusher and scorer Bryce Ansell to a knee injury. Ryan Baddassare will start in Ansell’s place when Mount Pleasant plays Keystone Oaks, but Ansell’s 1,153 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns will be sorely missed.
Keystone Oaks is led by the running back duo of Matt McCann and Jordan Maddox. McCann has 1,649 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns, while Maddox has gained 1,129 yards on the ground and 19 touchdowns.