Sep 20, 2009 3 min read

DERRY – Uniontown turned two first-half Derry Area turnovers into quick points and held off a late charge as the Red Raiders defeated the host Trojans, 21-13 Friday night in the WPIAL Class AAA Keystone Conference opener for both teams. Uniontown coach John Fortugna was satisfied with his team’s start to the conference season.

“We’re 1-0 in the conference, and when you’re 1-0 you have to be pleased,” Fortugna said.

Uniontown running back Arnold Walker carried the load for the Red Raiders as the senior accumulated 117 yards on 25 carries with rushing and receiving touchdowns.

Quarterback Lucas Mosco completed four of eight passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns.

Uniontown (1-0, 2-1) used a big play on its first possession to strike early. Walker sliced through the Derry Area (0-1, 0-3) defense, hauling in a 43-yard screen pass on third and seven to give the Red Raiders a 7-0 lead.

Three plays into Derry Area’s second possession, the Trojans fumbled, and Uniontown took advantage two players later.

Emilio Scalese quickly made it 14-0 after he took a slant from Mosco 49 yards for the score.

The Uniontown offense went to work again after an interception, eating five minutes off the clock with an 11-play, 89-yard drive. Walker, who accumulated 76 yards on the drive, capped the series with a five-yard plunge to make it 21-0.

Derry Area found life late in the half, trimming the deficit to 21-7, when quarterback Mike Kelly hit wide receiver Zack Matusak down the sideline for a 38-yard score.

After a scoreless third quarter, Derry Area running back Domenic Hoffman picked up 64 yards in five carries and capped a 98-yard drive with an 11-yard scamper. A missed extra point made it 21-13 with 10:43 left in the game.

“Derry Area toughened up in the second half and wanted to win this football game,” Fortugna said.

The Trojans held Uniontown to 28 yards of total offense in the second half, but the Red Raider defense stiffened.

“We jumped on them right away, but we knew coming up here that this team, if you don’t put them away quickly, they’ll fight you to the end,” Fortugna said.

Derry Area received possession on the Uniontown 35-yard line after a Red Raider three-and-out, but the Trojans turned the ball over on downs in four plays.

Uniontown forced a punt on the next Derry Area drive and the Red Raiders’ third and final fourth-quarter stand came with 1:31 left when Scalese picked off a desperation heave on second down to seal the win.

“We held them and when the defense needed to step up, they stepped up,” Fortugna said.

Uniontown plays host to Albert Gallatin next Friday (7:30 p.m.).