Falcons’ playoff hopes dashed with 21-14 loss to Latrobe
CONNELLSVILLE — Connellsville had its faint playoff hopes snuffed out Friday night by some inspired play from the Latrobe Wildcats, who broke a 14-14 tie with 25 seconds remaining to defeat the Falcons, 21-14, to pick up their first win in the Foothills Conference this season.
After Connellsville tied the game at 14, the Wildcats returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown, but a holding and unsportsmanlike conduct call gave them the ball at their 25. After Carns ran for two yards, Vasinko got free for a 73-yard run to the Falcons’ 12. Carns was tackled for a 7-yard loss, putting the ball at the 19. With 25 second left, Carns passed to Vasinko, who powered his way into the end zone for the winning score.
Latrobe (1-6,2-7) took advantage of several Connellsville mistakes and rode the play of quarterback Logan Carns and running back Robert Vasinko as the pair rushed for 125 and 118 yards, respectively.
“Connellsville did a good job, but we finally put together four quarters of football,” Latrobe’s Ray Reitz said. “You saw two young teams playing, and we got some breaks and we’re very proud of our kids for it.”
The Falcons (2-5, 2-6 ) started quickly taking the opening kickoff at their 39 and putting together a seven-play driving that ended on a 25-yard touchdown run from Jordan McCrae. McCrae rushed for 117 yards.
After forcing Latrobe to punt, the Falcons took over at their 15. Zach Cree, who rushed for 121 yards, ripped off a 78-yrd run to the Wildcats’ 8-yard line to give the Falcons a first-and-goal. A penalty forced the Falcons back to the 18. They managed to push back to the 11, facing a fourth-and-goal. Ben Kisiel’s field goal attempt was blocked, leaving the Falcons with a 7-0 lead after the first period.
“We drove inside their five three times and didn’t get points and we had some costly penalties. You don’t deserve to win give Latrobe credit,” Connellsville’s Dave McDonald said.
Latrobe tied the game in the second quarter just before the half ended. They forced the Falcons to punt and returned the ball to the Connellsville 41. They drove to the 23 and on a second and nine Carns got loose for 18-yards giving the Wildcats a first and goal at the Falcons 5. Four plays later Vasinko scored on a one yard run.
The Falcons quickly recovered and took over at their 40 on the ensuing kickoff. Jade Maher ran 15 yards to the Latrobe 45. McCrae added another 14 to the Wildcats 31. Kisiel’s 48-yard field goal attempt was blocked leaving the teams tied at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Wildcats took the lead in the fourth quarter on a 15-yard run by Carns. The Falcons responded on their next possession with a 24-yard scoring run from McCrae to tie the score at 14.
Foothills Conference
Greater Latrobe 0-7-0-14 — 21
Connellsville 7-0-0-7 — 14
First Quarter
Con: McCrae 25 run (Kisiel kick), 9:16 (0-7)
Second Quarter
L: Vasinko 1 run (Drake kick), :25 (7-7)
Fourth Quarter
L: Carns 15 run (Drake kick), 4:48 (14-7)
Con: McCrae 24 run (Kisiel kick), 3:14 (14-14)
L: Vasinko 19 pass from Carns (Drake kick), :25 (21-14)
Records-Greater Latrobe (1-6, 2-6), Connellsville (2-5, 2-6)