Two-point conversion the difference in Uniontown victory
Joel Brewton | Herald-Standard
Albert Gallatin’s Chris Hlatky (33) is tripped up by Uniontown’s Tito Cantalamessa (4) during Friday’s game at Bill Power Stadium in Uniontown.
Uniontown's Jordan Pratt (11) is stood up by Albert Gallatin's George Standish (8) and Micah High (44) during Friday's game at Bill Power Stadium in Uniontown.
Albert Gallatin's Robbie Shea (7) splits Uniontown's Lyric Ellis (1) and Tito Cantalamessa (4) for a touchdown reception during Friday's game at Bill Power Stadium in Uniontown.
A two-point conversion was the difference in Uniontown’s 26-25 victory over Albert Gallatin Friday night at Bill Power Stadium in Big Nine Conference play.
With his team down 19-12, quarterback Xavier Ellis dropped back to pass, found an opening, and sprinted 45 yards to the end zone for the touchdown.
With a struggling kicking game, the Red Raiders (1-1, 1-1) opted to go for two, and the gamble worked off when Tristan Sandrosky pulled in the two-point conversation pass from Ellis for a 20-19 lead at 1:02 of the third quarter.
“I have to give our whole team credit,” Uniontown coach John Fortugna said. “They really needed a win. But AG played well.”
After Uniontown held the Colonials (0-1, 1-1) on downs, running back Doug Lewis took the next play from scrimmage 65 yards to the end zone for a 26-19 Red Raiders lead at 8:25 of the fourth.
“Our quarterback and tailback made some plays,” Fortugna said.
Lewis led all rushers with 121 yards on 15 carries and scored two touchdowns.
AG coach Joe Embacher knew containing Lewis and Ellis were key for his team.
“We didn’t do a good job of containing their quarterback,” Embacher said. “We had to keep him in the pocket. They have some good athletes.”
The Colonials came right back and scored at 6:38 when Branden Dice pulled in a 84-yard touchdown pass from Hunter Moody to cut Uniontown’s lead to 26-25.
Albert Gallatin’s two-point conversion pass attempt was no good.
“We needed to convert on our point after plays,” Embacher said.
The Colonials forced the Red Raiders into a turnover on downs on their next drive, and took over at their own 43 with 4:37 remaining.
AG drove to the Red Raiders’ 16 when Dice pulled in a 36-yard pass from Moody. Dice had 120 yards on two receptions. Moody was 4-of-10 for 137 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.
The Colonials moved to the 15, but the Red Raiders’ defense made a stand, and took over on downs with 1:20 remaining.
“Our defense stepped up big tonight and made a stand at the end,” Fortugna said. “We need to work on our pass defense.”
Uniontown opened the scoring after Ellis took off on a bootleg and scored from 16 yards out at 8:10 of the first. The point after attempt was no good. The play was set up by Lyric Ellis’ interception that was return to the Colonials’ 16.
Tristin Kaiser tied at the game at 6-6 when he pulled in a 10-yard touchdown pass from Moody at 7:52 of the second. Damon Tolbert’s PAT gave AG a 7-6 lead. Tolbert’s PAT was the only extra point converted.
The Colonials took the lead at 13-6 when Robbie Shea pulled in a 39-yard touchdown pass from Collin Smith on a halfback option. The pass was deflected by a Uniontown defender into Shea’s hands for the score.
Smith leads the Colonials in rushing with 105 yards on 26 carries.
Lewis’ 14-yard touchdown run at 8:01 of the third cut the Colonials’ lead to 13-12.
Moody scored on a one-yard keeper at 2:15 of the third for a 19-12 AG lead. The two-point run attempt failed.
The Colonials host Trinity Friday for Homecoming.
“Our philosophy is to win,” Embacher said. “We are past the point of just being competitive. Hopefully, we can come back strong next week.”
Uniontown hosts West Mifflin and dangerous running back Jimmy Wheeler in Week 3 for its Homecoming.
“We worked very hard this week in practice, but have to work just as hard next week,” Fortugna said. “They don’t just have one good player, though. The whole team is strong.”