Leopards hold on for 13-12 win over Ringgold
Andrew Baugh
Belle Vernon’s Mike Fine (15) breaks several tackles for a first down during Friday’s Big 10 Conference game against Ringgold at Belle Vernon’s James Weir Stadium.
Belle Vernon cornerback Philip Taylor (8) tries to shake off a Ringgold defender during Friday's Big 10 Conference game at Belle Vernon’s James Weir Stadium.
Belle Vernon's Noah Bukowski (2) breaks to the outside of Ringgold's Dalton Holt (22) during Friday's Big 10 Conference game at Belle Vernon’s James Weir Stadium.
Belle Vernon's Jake Powell (1) breaks up the pass to Ringgold wide receiver Dalton Holt (22) during Friday's Big 10 Conference game at Belle Vernon’s James Weir Stadium.
ROSTRAVER — The chain of events that led to Belle Vernon’s 13-12 win over Ringgold in one of the biggest games in the WPIAL this year had Belle Vernon coach Matt Humbert shaking his head in the end.
Some of the oddities:
n Belle Vernon’s kicker blocked a punt to turn the game around.
n Belle Vernon told its offense not to score under any circumstance on its final possession.
n Belle Vernon came back with a second-half rally that was built on only four first downs and 76 yards offense.
Weird game?
“Very weird game,” said Humbert. “And the whole M.O. was: Do we stick with what we do offensively? They did a great job shutting our run game down, but we came to the consensus that we were going to ride the horses that brought us here. We were able to do that to a certain degree.”
Those horses — quarterback Mike Fine and running back Luke Durigon — were held to a combined 108 yards on 40 carries. However, the two responded when it mattered.
With Ringgold clinging to a 12-7 lead early in the fourth quarter, Belle Vernon defenders Trevor Gush, Logan Petrosky and Collin Johnston made big plays that forced a Ringgold punt from near its own goal line. Belle Vernon’s kicker, Derek Verkleeren, came screaming off the edge to block the punt and Belle Vernon recovered at the Ringgold 8-yard line with 7:02 remaining.
Durigon gained four yards on two carries, and on third-and-goal Fine followed fullback Ben Cole through left guard and into the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown run and a 13-12 lead.
Ringgold got the ball back, lost yardage via penalty and Fine’s tackle-for-loss, and punted again. Belle Vernon took over at the Ringgold 34 and only needed to run out the clock.
After two first downs, Humbert called his team together with 1:45 left and told them not to score, just in case Ringgold allowed it as a desperation move.
Ringgold Coach Nick Milchovich said he considered allowing the touchdown but never put in the call.
“We didn’t want to score,” said Humbert. “The goal was just to keep the ball on the field and let the time fizzle out. We told Mike as soon as you break a yard, get down. He didn’t really break a yard, but it worked out.”
With Ringgold out of timeouts, Fine carried twice for two yards and the horn sounded on the battle between the two unbeatens. Belle Vernon improved to 6-0 in the Big 10 Conference and Ringgold fell to 5-1.
“I’m proud of the kids,” Humbert said. “They found a way. Defense wins championships and that was the motto tonight, with a sprinkling of special teams.”
Humbert was asked about Verkleeren’s blocked punt.
“I think it speaks for itself,” Humbert said. “But, man, that’s a big play. Everyone kind of gets a little more tense and a little more rigid at that point. Specials came through tonight. I think that’s a characteristic of a good football team.”
Belle Vernon took an early lead after recovering a Ringgold fumble inside its 10-yard line. Durigon ran it in from two yards away for a 7-0 lead.
Ringgold answered early in the second quarter, but its two-point conversion attempt was stopped by Johnston.
Ringgold took the lead late in the third quarter following David Carpenter’s interception and 50-yard return to the Belle Vernon 5, from where quarterback George Marin scored for Ringgold’s 12-7 lead.
But defense, the blocked punt and a few spurts from the power running game all came through for Belle Vernon to give Humbert his biggest win at the school.
“Without a doubt,” Humbert said. “It’s a statement win. It’s a great win for the program. Heck, it’s a great win for the kids and coaches. All the time and energy they spent, they deserved to win.
“Not to take anything away from (Ringgold). That’s a really good football team. And the nice thing, it lived up to the hype. It was a battle of hard-nosed football teams. That was the mantra the whole game.”
Could Belle Vernon and Ringgold meet again in the playoffs?
“There’s a very good possibility. Obviously we would welcome that,” Humbert said. “We’re happy to get over this and now we’re ready to roll and face the next three opponents and hopefully we can handle business. If we can, special things. We’ll see.”
Big 10 Conference
Ringgold 0-6-6-0 — 12
Belle Vernon 7-0-0-6 — 13
First Quarter
BVA: Durigon 2 run (Verkleeren kick), 10:24
Second Quarter
Rin: Berry 1 run (run failed), 11:16
Third Quarter
Rin: Martin 5 run (pass failed), :35
Fourth Quarter
BVA: Fine 4 run (run failed), 5:42