Rockets' defense frustrates Leetonia

Lowellville capitalized on four fumble recoveries and four interceptions.
By MARK W. MILLER
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
LOWELLVILLE -- A defense that limited the Leetonia High football team to 15 yards rushing and 14 passing should give Lowellville's future opponents some concern.
The Rockets shut out the Bears 26-0 in the Division VI, Region 21 quarterfinal.
Friday, the Rockets (11-0) will play Cuyahoga Heights at a site to be announced Sunday.
"We didn't give up a first down to them [Leetonia] until their final series of the game," Lowellville coach John Protopapa said. "Our defense played with intensity and gave us a tremendous effort. It was the first first down we allowed in seven quarters of football."
Taking advantage
The Rockets' defense caused the Bears to fumble four times and Lowellville recovered all of them, with two resulting in scores.
Leetonia (7-4) tried 14 passes. Two were completed, while four were intercepted.
Capitalizing on a fumble and an 85-yard drive, Lowellville scored all the points it would need in opening up a 14-0 halftime lead.
The Rockets' Andrew Mamula recovered a fumbled at the Leetonia 9-yard line with 3 minutes, 41 seconds remaining in the first period.
Three players later, senior Mike Palumbo plunged a yard on a quarterback sneak. Nick Pope made a placement for the extra point and a 7-0 lead.
Lengthy drive
With 9:11 left in the second quarter, Lowellville took over on its own 15 following a punt.
Fifteen plays consumed 7 minutes, 30 seconds and junior Jeff Peterson scored on a 5-yard run. Pope's placement made it 14-0.
"That drive was important," Protopapa said.
"Palumbo is very smart and made a few changes at the line, switched some plays and did a good job for us."
The Rockets gained 138 yards on 25 carries, while the Bears had 11.
An interception by Andy Peterson set up a Lowellville TD in the third period.
Peterson, who rushed for 121 yards on 20 attempts, returned the ball 25 yards to the Bears 15.
With a third down and 12 situation, Palumbo threw a 2-yard pass to Anthony Donatelli, who lateraled the ball to Peterson, who ran for 11 yards and a first down to the 5. Peterson then burst into the end zone for a 20-0 lead.
Capitalizes again
Lowellville got the ball on Leetonia's 12-yard line off a fumble with 4:19 to go in the contest. Dan Ricottilli rushed twice for 5 and 4 yards, then caught a 3-yard TD strike from Palumbo.
"The amount of intensity we play with is a challenge for us to do a little bit better each week and they have done that," Protopapa said of the Rockets' winning streak.
The Rockets had 238 yards of total offense and 16 first downs.
"It was nice to play at home tonight, but we'll have to travel next week," Protopapa said. "[Cuyahoga Heights] will give us a different look."