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By Baron Dionis
For the Mirror
HOMER-CITY -- A back and forth battle between two single-A teams fighting for a playoff spot came down to the final moments.
After nearly three hours of hard fought football, Portage beat Homer-Center, 34-28, at Homer City Memorial Field.
The Mustangs were propelled by a stellar performance from Easton Slanoc, who finished with two interceptions, a pick-six, a passing touchdown and a receiving touchdown.
After getting a defensive stop with about than two minutes remaining, Homer-Center had an opportunity to put a drive together, but three incompletions before an interception from Slanoc sealed the game.
Play of the game: Portage's Slanoc intercepts the pass from Homer-Center quarterback Carson Arone to seal the win.
Player of the game: Slanoc
Unsung hero: Bode Layo, 85-yard touchdown to give Portage the lead back in the third.
Most vital statistic: Portage picked off Homer-Center three times.
Portage coach Marty Slanoc: "He (Slanoc), was our starting quarterback. He had a fractured wrist about three weeks ago and he's been progressing, doing whatever he could. He's been playing his role. We gave him a jet sweep and he threw a touchdown pass. I'm really happy for him because he's a good kid who shows up and works hard."
Homer-Center coach Greg Page was ejected from the game and was unavailable for comments.
Portage wide receiver-safety Easton Slanoc: "Practice all week went right. We worked hard as a team all week, came together, watched a lot of film, and really prepared for this game. Tonight's chemistry on the field was unmatched. We've been playing good these last few weeks, but I'm just proud of how we did tonight."
Notable: Homer-Center wide receiver Riley Cobaugh caught five passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns.
Records: Portage (4-5), Homer-Center (2-6).
Next week: Portage hosts Northern Cambria while Homer-Center travels to Conemaugh Township. Northern Cambria won 48-8 over River Valley. Township won 34-0 over Conemaugh Valley.
SCORE BY QUARTERS
Portage 0 13 8 13 — 34
Homer-Center 0 7 7 14 — 18
Second Quarter
P–Willinsky 1 run (Slanoc kick), 11:48.
P–Slanoc 42 interception return (kick failed ), 11:01.
HC–Cobaugh 48 pass from Arone (Frazer kick), 9:59.
Third Quarter
HC–Frazer 48 fumble (Frazer kick), 6:53.
P–Layo 85 pass from Gouse (Willinsky run), 1:57.
Fourth Quarter
P–Bobolsky 31 pass from Slanoc (Slanoc kick), 11:53.
HC–Valuchuck 66 run (Frazer kick), 11:36.
P–Slanoc 9 pass from Gouse (kick failed), 5:53.
HC--Cobaugh pass from Arone (Frazer kick), 5:36.
TEAM STATISTICS P HC
First downs 12 4
Total yards 281 250
Rushes-yards 49-194 16-78
Yards passing 183 190
Pass (comp.-att.-int.) 8-11-1 10-21-3
Punts-avg. 3-41.66 4-39.75
Fumbles-lost 4-1 0-0
Penalties-yards 7-68 6-75
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING--Porage, Willinsky 29-107, Smithro 12-68, Layo 1-16, Gouse 2- -8. Homer-Center, Arone 9-19, Valuchuck 2-72
PASSING--Portage, Gouse 7-10-152, Slanoc 1-31. Homer-Center, Arone 10-21-190.
RECEIVING--Portage, Layo 2-85, Bobolsky 3-53, Smithtro 1-24, Lawrence 1-10, Slanoc 1-9. Homer-Center, Cobaugh 5-162, Fedoruk 3-25, Fisher 2-3