MONROEVILLE, Pa. – The Penn-Trafford Warriors traveled to Gateway, the home of the Gators for a mid-season clash, the winner to be crowned the Victory Bell Game Champion and will house the “Victory Bell” until the two teams meet again next season.
That bell belongs to the black and gold, as they Gators defended their home turf for a 21-10 victory.
Penn Trafford’s first offensive drive stalled after a three-and-out, and the team turned the ball over on-downs during the punt attempt due to a poor snap. This resulted in the Gators recieving the ball at the Warriors 24-yard line.
The Gators’ recieved the ball at Penn Trafford’s 24-yard line and capitalized on the early mistake from by scoring two plays later. This was the only touchdown of the first half by either team. Gators’ wide reciever Anez Jordan caught a 17-yard strike by quarterback Brad Birch in the middle of the field.
Penn Trafford followed the Gators’ touchdown with a 13-play drive that netted the Warriors a 25-yard field goal by Logan Swartz. This may have been the Warrior’s best drive of the game as the Gators’ defense held stout all night.
The score at the end of the first quarter was 7-3, and it stayed that way through halftime. Both defenses made it tough for the opposing quarterbacks in the first half. Birch finish the half with the touchdown and two interceptions. Penn Trafford’s quarterback and Temple commit, Conlan Greene finished the half with no touchdowns and an interception.
Penn Trafford recieved the ball at Gateway’s 35-yard line to begin the second half after the kickoff traveled out-of-bounds. Greene and co. marched the ball into Gator territory with a well-balanced offensive gameplan. That drive was cut short when they turned it over on-downs at the Gateway 30-yard line.
On the Gators’ ensuing drive they marched well into the Warrior’s side of the field with a furious rushing attack by running back Jaquon Reynolds. During this drive, the senior back touched the ball on nine of the 10 plays. The drive was capped off by a 4-yard touchdown run by Reynolds, extending the Gators’ lead to 14-3 and capturing all momentum.
The fourth quarter opened with the Gators’ looking to seal the victory inside of Warriors’ terriotory. The Warriors’ defense held and gave their offense a chance to attempt a comeback. The comeback attempt failed when the Gators extended their lead to 21-3 when Remy Bose took an interception to the house.
Penn Trafford closed the gap a bit after scoring a late touchdown, making the score 21-10 with 2:13 left. This last minute struggle ended as the Warrior’s fell the Gators 21-10.
Penn Trafford is home against Plum next week, while Gateway travels to McKeesport.
