Mustangs’ bid for comeback falls just short
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DAVIDSVILLE -- Portage fell behind by two touchdowns early on in Friday night's Heritage Conference contest at Conemaugh Township, and the Mustangs battled through a plethora of mistakes before rallying in the second half. However, the comeback fell just short on the final play of the game as the Indians held on to escape with a 16-14 win.
Drive of the game: After the Mustangs stopped Conemaugh Township on downs at the Portage 14 with 1:21 left to play, Mustang quarterback Easton Slonac completed four straight passes, including a 45-yarder over the middle to Brendan Smithtro to move the ball deep into Conemaugh Township territory. An 8-yard completion to Teagan Kick gave Portage a first down at the Indian 11, but Slonac's pass into the end zone as time expired fell incomplete.
Player of the game: Conemaugh Township running back Brennan Lohr rushed for a team-high 71 yards on 20 carries and also had an interception on defense.
Unsung hero: Portage's Bode Layo caught three passes for 90 yards and a touchdown. He also had a strip sack that led to Issac Willinsky's fumble recovery touchdown.
Most vital statistic: Portage had five turnovers, including three interceptions and two lost fumbles.
Portage coach Marty Slanoc: "I'm proud of our kids. We knew they (Conemaugh Township) were physical and athletic and would bring the heat. We didn't handle it early. We made some plays, but turned the ball over. Mistakes were made that cost us opportunities. We wish it would have been a better outcome, but that's the way it goes."
Conemaugh Township coach Brandon Studer: "We've been focusing on playing four quarters and finishing football games. Our guys stood up to that test tonight. Our defense has been playing well and tonight we put it in their hands."
Lohr: "Their defense came at us hard, but everyone came out with 100% effort."
Notable: Slonac completed 11 of 22 passes for 206 yards. Conemaugh Township kicker Jackson Sotosky drilled a 37-yard third-quarter field goal for what proved to be the winning points. Conemaugh Township freshman quarterback Greyson Studer completed 7 of 12 passes for 63 yards and one touchdown. Both teams had father-son head coach/quarterback duos.
Records: Portage (2-3), Conemaugh Township (3-2).
Next week: Portage travels to Cambria Heights. Conemaugh Township travels to Penns Manor.
SCORE BY QUARTERS
Portage 0 8 6 0 -- 14
Conemaugh Township 13 0 3 0 -- 16
First Quarter
CT--Hovanec 32 pass from Studer (kick failed), 5:38.
CT--Shaffer 8 run (G. Sotosky kick), 3:24.
Second Quarter
P--Layo 53 pass from Slanoc (Willinsky run), 2:25.
Third Quarter
CT--J. Sotosky 37 FG, 5:30.
P--Willinsky fumble recovery in end zone (run failed), 2:36.
TEAM STATISTICS P CT
First downs 7 9
Total Net Yards 256 124
Rushes-yards 19-50 41-61
Passing 206 63
Comp-Att-Int 11-22-3 7-12-0
Punts 4-39.2 6-37.3
Fumbles-Lost 3-2 2-1
Penalties-Yards 6-50 6-45
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING--Portage, Slanoc 6-2, Smithtro 5-52, Willinsky 5-9, TEAM 2-minus 17, Gouse 1-4. Conemaugh Township, Lohr 20-71, Shaffer 8-23, Studer 5-minus 31, Stahl 1-0, Dunn 2-9, Richardson 1-minus 1, Statler 2-3, TEAM 1-minus 17, Weber 1-4.
PASSING--Portage, Slanoc 11-22-3-206. Conemaugh Township, Studer 7-12-0-63..
RECEIVING--Portage, Layo 3-90, Smithtro 3-79, Gouse 4-29, Kick 1-8. Conemaugh Township, Hovanec 2-38, Lohr 3-11, Shaffer 1-19, Dunn 1-minus 5.