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Hollidaysburg gets back on track

By Nate Powles 5 min read

HOLLIDAYSBURG -- Talk about a rebound.

A week after losing their first game of the season to formidable Susquehanna Township, the Hollidaysburg Golden Tigers took care of business at Tiger Stadium against Baldwin Friday night, 49-12.

All three phases of the game were in top form for the Tigers, as quarterback Vincent Albarano had his most efficient game of the season, finishing with 156 yards on 8-for-9 passing. He had two touchdowns through the air and two on the ground.

"He ran the offense very well. Run, pass, pulling the ball when it was there," Golden Tigers coach Homer DeLattre said. "Just making some really good decisions and had a high percentage in the passing game."

The defense was also stout, constantly putting pressure on Highlander quarterback Sadiq Anderson.

A basketball-first athlete, Anderson is in his first year under center since eighth grade, according to Baldwin coach Dana Brown Jr.

"Essentially, he's still learning how to read a defense. Ultimately, this is his fourth game in high school, so it's a lot of little wounds we have to heal," Brown said.

Hollidaysburg (3-1) scored on every one of its possessions in the first half.

Albarano, running back Isaac Vent and wide receiver JJ Stultz formed an almost unstoppable trio for Hollidaysburg, combining to score five of the Tigers' seven touchdowns. Vent had 97 yards and one touchdown on the ground, as well as one catch for 52 yards and a score. Stultz had 38 yards receiving and a score, but also had a 43-yard punt return to put the Tigers in the red zone to start their drive.

With the mercy rule in effect after halftime, most of Hollidaysburg's starters were eventually pulled and Baldwin was able to make some explosive plays on offense and special teams.

On the kickoff following Hollidaysburg's scoring drive to open the half, Timothy Bush took the ball 96 yards to the end zone for the Highlanders' first points of the game. On their ensuing drive, wide receiver Da'Mare Henry caught a deep pass from Anderson and sped to an 82-yard score.

"One of the things at halftime was 'forget the score.' Let's play for the half. We have to carry that momentum going into next week and prepare better and get a different result," Brown said.

Sequence of the game: In the middle of the second half, Hollidaysburg forced a Baldwin punt and Stultz caught it near the 50. He weaved his way through the mass of Highlanders and Tigers all the way down to the Baldwin 8. On the following play, Albarano immediately looked Stultz's way in the end zone and threw a perfect pass to the corner for the score to put Hollidaysburg up 28-0 at that point.

Players of the game: It's almost impossible to pick between the three-headed monster of Albarano, Stultz and Vent. They broke big plays when called upon and the Baldwin defense had almost no answer for them. They were one of the main reasons Hollidaysburg was able to put in the backups for the majority of the second half.

Unsung hero: Baldwin's Henry was a force downfield for the Highlanders, grabbing multiple contested throws in front of Hollidaysburg defenders for big gains. He had 157 yards on four receptions and a touchdown.

Most vital statistics: Hollidaysburg's two turnovers were its first of the season. The Tigers also outgained Baldwin 418 to 242.

DeLattre: "We understand that you're going to lose football games. How are you going to react? Are you going to stick your tail between your legs, are you gonna pout about it, or are you going to come out and keep practicing hard?''

Brown Jr.: "We can't rely on the second half. We're not the type of team that can allow a team to get up even 12 points on us. I think a lot of these guys fell to the 'long trip bug' and mentally weren't there.''

Notable: DeLattre confirmed after the game that star running back Carter Muth will be sidelined with an injury for an extended period of time. He did not give a time frame, but said, "He'll rebound and he'll be greater for it." ... Running back Spencer Davis opened the scoring from 1 yard out. DeLattre said he wanted to get Davis on the board early on a night he and the Spencer Davis Foundation were being recognized for their work in the community. "He works very hard and he's had a great year. It's just a miracle story," DeLattre said.

Records: Hollidaysburg (3-1); Baldwin (1-3)

Next week: Hollidaysburg travels to Fort Hill, while Baldwin hosts Windber.

SCORE BY QUARTERS

Baldwin 0 0 12 0 -- 12

Hollidaysburg 14 21 14 0 -- 49

First Quarter

H -- Davis 1 run (Walters kick), 5:22.

H -- Albarano 35 run (Jones kick), 1:45.

Second Quarter

H -- Albarano 3 run (Jones kick), 7:31.

H -- Stultz 8 pass from Albarano (Jones kick), 5:39.

H -- Vent 52 pass from Albarano (Jones kick), 2:28.

Third Quarter

H -- Vent 66 run (Jones kick), 11:06.

B -- Bush 96 kick return (Parker miss), 10:50.

H -- Garlick 1 run (Jones kick), 5:01.

B -- Henry 82 pass from Anderson (Parker miss), 3:52.

TEAM STATISTICS B H

First downs 9 19

Total yards 242 418

Rushes-yards 14-24 44-258

Yards passing 218 160

Passing (comp.-att.-int.) 11-20-1 9-11-0

Fumbles-lost 2-1 1-0

Penalties-yards 8-60 5-45

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING -- Baldwin, Anderson 5-18, Galentine 8-11, Petro 1-(-5). Hollidaysburg, Vent 10-97, Garlick 12-40, Albarano 2-38, Rodgers 3-28, Wallace 4-16, V. Consiglio 2-9, Schneeberger 2-8, Snyder 2-6, S. Consiglio 1-5, Davis 1-1.

PASSING -- Baldwin, Anderson 10-19-1-212, Galentine 1-1-0-6. Hollidaysburg, Alabarano 8-9-0-156, Wallace 1-2-0-4.

RECEIVING -- Baldwin, Henry 4-157, Trifanoff 1-31, Galentine 2-16, Petro 2-9, Saccani 2-5. Hollidaysburg, Vent 1-52, Coke 3-45, Stultz 2-38, Padamonsky 2-21, Steiner 1-4.

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