Scotties win defensive battle with Waynesburg, 14-13
WAYNESBURG — A defensive battle ended on a last-second defensive play, and Southmoreland edged Waynesburg Central, 14-13, in a Interstate Conference game Friday night.
After getting the ball back with less than a minute remaining, Waynesburg (2-3, 1-3) quickly found itself in a fourth down situation, inside its own 20-yard line. Raider quarterback Colby Collins rolled out to the left, and heaved a 24-yard pass to John Glen Davis, keeping the Raiders’ hopes alive.
Another pass to Davis, this time a 33-yard gain, set Waynesburg up for a possible last-second victory. On the ensuing first down, Collins dropped back, and threw a slow ball across the middle of the field. Aaron Bailey was in the right place at the right time for Southmoreland (1-4, 1-3), and picked off the pass as time expired.
Southmoreland coach Mark Adams could hardly contain his excitement.
“I can’t even talk,” said Adams. “I’m ready to cry because I’m so emotional. These kids have been dogfighting, lately, and they never lost their composure.”
Bailey was the Scotties’ Swiss Army knife, as he contributed big plays in all three areas of the game. Bailey ran 14 times for 117 yards and two touchdowns, pinned Waynesburg inside their own 10-yard line twice, and came up with the game-sealing interception.
“Bailey rose to the occasion,” said Adams. “He’s a tough senior, he’s played hard week in and week out, and this is his night to shine. It’s all about this team, and him, and I love to see that.”
Jake Pisula added 17 carries for 68 yards, and Brennan Brunner carried eight times for 38 yards, to aid Bailey on the ground.
Waynesburg coach Russ Moore was frustrated with his team’s inability to slow down the Scotties’ inside running game.
“We start out good, then all of a sudden, they start running this counter inside, and the jet, and we never stopped it. All night long,” said Moore.
Waynesburg had the momentum early, as shortly into the game Colin McCracken blocked a Bailey punt, setting up a two-yard Davis touchdown. In the second quarter, Southmoreland was set up with a first-and-goal from inside the 5-yard line, and Waynesburg stuffed the Scotties on all four downs.
The Scotties countered near the end of the quarter, as Bailey took a carry 27 yards down the sideline for a game-tying touchdown.
Waynesburg came out of the second half with a bang, as Davis carried four times for 79 yards on the opening drive, including a 64-yard touchdown up the middle. However, the extra point attempt was blocked, and would prove a crucial miss.
Moore was upset with his team’s performance, even in the close loss.
“Totally disappointed,” said Moore. “We didn’t play football. Not disappointed in our effort, just our ability to play the game. We’re better than what we showed tonight. We’re going to have to make some changes.”
Davis finished as the game’s leading rusher, with 21 carries for 156 yards and two touchdowns, and added 57 yards receiving on two catches.
Bailey capped off the scoring with a 12-yard run midway through the third quarter. Kicker Mike Garlowich then converted what would turn out to be the game-winning extra point.