Route 40 champions
Red Raiders blank Falcons in ‘National Road Rumble’
REPUBLIC — Uniontown was without the services of Division I recruit Jackson Mickens and it fumbled the opening kickoff return, but once the Red Raiders got themselves settled, Tim Bukowski’s team never looked back in a 47-0 non-conference victory over Brownsville on Friday night at Redstone Field.
In what has been dubbed as the “National Road Rumble,” the plan is for the two historic programs from Fayette County to compete each season for the “National Road Cup,” which began on Friday as the high school football season kicked off for most teams in the WPIAL.
The trophy is now in the hands of Uniontown, but the Falcons can take possession for at least a year if they win the next matchup.
Bukowski stated that Mickens was forced to miss practice on Thursday due to being sick, and he hopes for the junior to return in time for the Red Raiders’ game against Ambridge next week at Bill Power Stadium.
The veteran coach was pleased with his team’s effort and performance despite not having one of the top players in the WPIAL in the lineup.
“Our guys stepped up tonight and came ready to play,” said Bukowski while doing his best to wipe off the Gatorade after his team gave him the ceremonial shower following the victory. “They played us really tough last year, and we had to come back and win it, but tonight we were able to jump ahead early and put the game away.”
Freshman Jax Patterson set up Brownsville in Red Raiders territory when he stripped the ball away on the first play of the game, but Uniontown forced a fumble of its own that was recovered by Gavin Radford.
The Red Raiders went to work following the turnover, and Brayden Hinzy threw for a touchdown on his first official pass of the season when he found Taylor Galloway in the back of the end zone from 15 yards out at 7:38 of the first quarter. Hunter Smithburger made the first of five PATs for a 7-0 lead. Hinzy bought himself some time in the pocket prior to firing the pass to Galloway.
“Overall, I thought Taylor played a helluva game,” Bukowski said. “Defensively, he had some punishing hits. He’s just a tough kid, and we want him to play physical all year like that.”
Uniontown forced a turnover on downs and Marcus Evans drew a defensive pass interference to set up the Red Raiders at the 50.
Tayshawn Jackson used his speed to accelerate to the outside, and he turned on the jets to sprint 43 yards to the seven before Mike Thomas rumbled in for a seven-yard score and a 14-0 advantage at 4:55 of the opening period.
“I thought our backs played well,” Bukowski said. “With the running clock, the guys may not have gotten the amount of touches they would have liked, but they made the most of them.”
Uniontown’s defense didn’t allow Brownsville much on its next drive, and following a punt after a three-and-out, the Red Raiders extended their lead to 21-0 at 10:25 of the second frame on Jackson’s four-yard run.
Radford returned a punt 40 yards into the end zone and a 28-0 advantage at 8:21 of the second quarter.
Uniontown forced another punt from the home team, and the Red Raiders pushed their lead to 35-0 when Nate Hice pulled in a 28-yard touchdown reception from Hinzy.
The Falcons drove inside the Uniontown 20-yard line on their next drive, but a fumble turned the ball over to the visitors.
The Red Raiders attacked the Brownsville secondary when Evans broke free and caught a 41-yard pass from Hinzy for a 41-0 advantage with 1:38 left in the first half.
Hinzy was 5 of 6 for 139 yards and three touchdowns. Evans caught three passes for 96 yards.
Hinzy took his lumps last year, as it was his first time playing varsity football, but the senior has grown and worked on improving his game, which was evident against the Falcons.
“I think he (Hinzy) doesn’t get the credit he deserves sometimes,” Bukowski said. “He is a quiet guy who keeps the team together and remains cool. After last year’s experience, I expect him to have a great season. I am really proud of him tonight. A lot of times, we don’t mention him, but he is our leader on offense, and he distributed the ball tonight.”
The clock ran continuously during the second half with eight-minute quarters, but Uniontown added one final score on Thomas’ 47-yard run at 2:55 of the third period. Thomas rushed for 73 yards on seven carries.
Brownsville returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown when Max Dieudonne sprinted 85 yards down the right sideline, but the score was negated by two penalties.
“From play one offensively, we weren’t lined up in the right formations, and that’s on me,” Brownsville coach Cody Castor said. “We haven’t had an athletic trainer this entire camp until today. We are dealing with a lot of injuries and have about half the roster of the other team.”
Neovae Jordan caught three passes for 35 yards to lead the Falcons in receiving. Austin Pascorella was 9 of 12 for 53 yards.
Brownsville’s Lorenzo Adams recovered a fumble by the Red Raiders on a punt return.
Jude Paris had an interception for Uniontown.
“I thought our defense played well,” Bukowski said. “They pitched a shutout, and that’s good because our defensive coaches worked hard with these guys, and I’m proud of them.”