Belle Vernon’s defense dominates in rout of Deer Lakes
BELLE VERNON — In what has almost become a tradition, Belle Vernon is heading back to the WPIAL Class 3A football semifinals following a 49-6 win over Deer Lakes on Friday night.
“We were well-balanced on offense and everyone was able to get touches,” said Leopards coach Matt Humbert. “I thought we did a good job on defense, and my hat’s off to the defense.”
The outcome was never in doubt, as Belle Vernon (9-1) dominated all night on both sides of the ball at James Weir Stadium. The Leopards outgained the Lancers (8-4), 476-76.
How dominant was defensive coordinator Brett Berish’s unit?
Of the Lancers’ 76 yards on 42 plays, 45 of the yards came on a blown-coverage touchdown with the Leopards already up 24-0.
That play, a scoring strike from Derek Burk to Aiden Fletcher, was the only first down of the game for Deer Lakes.
“This was a total team effort,” said Quinton Martin, who rushed for 107 yards, caught nine passes for 100 yards, and had three touchdowns.
“The defensive side was outstanding, and we will continue to build and hopefully get to the end goal.”
Quarterback Braden Laux completed 14 of 17 pass attempts for 236 yards and three touchdowns.
“We always play as a team and have each other’s back,” Laux said.
Kole Doppelheuer raced 40 yards to open the scoring for Belle Vernon with 9:19 to go in the first quarter and following a 21-yard touchdown pass from Laux to Anthony Crews and a 33-yard Preston Rathway field goal, the Leopards led 17-0 heading into the second.
Laux hit Martin on a pair of touchdown passes, from 12 and 30 yards, in the second quarter and the Leopards led 30-6 at the half.
In the second half, Crews (31 yards), Martin (32) and Doppelheuer (34) scored rushing touchdowns for Belle Vernon.
Doppelheuer finished with 101 yards and the two touchdowns on 10 carries.
Martin, a Penn State commit, and Laux, an Eastern Michigan commit, were both playing their final home game.
“This game means a lot as it is our last game ever playing on this field,” said Martin. “We did what we had to do.
“We played together and played our heart out.”
“It is or last game on The Beach, but we are still moving on,” said Laux. “It isn’t over yet.”
The Leopards play fourth-seeded East Allegheny (9-2), a 28-21 winner over South Park, next Friday at a site to be determined.
“We still have more work to do,” Humbert added.