Vikings鈥� rushing attack key in victory over LH
Rob Burchianti | 蘑菇视频
Jonah Coleman returned the opening kickoff 32 yards to put Laurel Highlands in great field position, but Mount Pleasant’s Gage Valone intercepted a pass on the Mustangs’ first play from scrimmage, and the Vikings’ multiple-player rushing attack led the visitors to a 49-0 victory on Friday night at Mustang Field in non-conference play.
Coleman, who is a sophomore for Laurel Highlands, also returned a kickoff 35 yards to the Mustangs’ 48 with 3:30 remaining in the second quarter, and added an eight-yard run on the drive, but Mount Pleasant forced a punt and went on to score for a 35-0 lead at halftime, which enacted a running clock for the second half.
Laurel Highlands (2-3) wasn’t able to get much going offensively, but freshman Gabe Centofanti threw a 33-yard pass to Jacob Johnson on the team’s third possession, and Josh Reed pulled in a 13-yard reception, however, both drives stalled.
Mustang freshman Easton VanMeter rushed for 20 yards on four carries late in the fourth quarter.
Following Valone’s interception, the Vikings’ Richard Shawley scored on a 37-yard run and the visitors held a 7-0 lead with 10:20 remaining in the first quarter after Tyke Snyder made the first of seven PATs.
Mount Pleasant (3-2) forced Laurel Highlands to punt on its next drive and Brady Brooks returned the punt 65 yards for a touchdown at 8:38 of the first period.
The Vikings extended their advantage to 21-0 with 8:18 left in the second quarter following Stephen Predajna’s 29-yard run and Snyder’s kick. Predajna added a 47-yard score at 3:30 of the second period for a 28-0 lead.
Mount Pleasant ensured a running clock would be in effect during the second half when it marched 64 yards in seven plays for a touchdown with 10 seconds remaining when Rage Suchar pulled in a two-yard reception from Dane Firmstone and Snyder made the extra point for a 35-0 halftime lead.
Predejna led the Vikings in rushing with 97 yards on 10 carries and Shawley gained 55 yards on six attempts. As a team, Mount Pleasant rushed for 278 yards. Firmstone was 6 of 9 for 78 yards and a touchdown. Suchar caught three passes for 29 yards and Nick Morell had one reception for 35 yards. Morell’s catch set-up the Vikings for their score before halftime that enacted the running clock in the second half.
Caden Hudec (1 yard) and Cole Hart (9 yards) scored rushing touchdowns in the second half.
Payton Schaum recovered a fumble for Mount Pleasant.
Both teams begin conference play next week, as Laurel Highlands welcomes Chartiers Valley (4-1) to Mustang Field in the Big Six Conference and the Vikings host Yough (2-3). Both games are scheduled to kickoff at 7 p.m.