Ambeliotis keys JFK win

By JOHN KOVACH
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
AUSTINTOWN -- The biggest play in the Warren JFK-Lisbon Division V regional championship football game Friday at Falcon Stadium occurred in the third quarter with the Eagles holding a 13-7 lead.
Shane Golden of JFK intercepted a pass and returned the ball 51 yards for a touchdown to break open the game and send the Eagles to a 35-13 romp and into the state semifinal.
With Golden opening the door, JFK's offense went on to dominate play behind quarterback John DiFiore, running back Anthony Ambeliotis and the offensive line's outstanding blocking performance.
Ambeliotis finished with three touchdowns on runs of 28, 2 and 1 yards, and he rushed for 212 yards in 39 carries.
DiFiore ran for a 20-yard score, rushed for 66 yards in 11 carries and threw for 55 yards on 9-for-12, as JFK (11-2) advanced to play Amanda-Clearcreek next Friday at Canton Central Catholic's Klinefelter Stadium.
Amanda-Clearcreek won Friday in a regional final, 13-12, over Sarahsville Shenandoah.
Golden scenario
Golden delivered his interception right after Lisbon's Josh Grafton came up with a one-handed pass interception that took the ball right out of Golden's hand to foil an Eagles' touchdown drive.
And the series before, Golden's great open-field tackle stopped Lisbon at the JFK 42, forcing the Blue Devils to punt.
"It was the turning point of the game," said JFK coach Tony Napolet, regarding Golden's touchdown. "He is a great competitor. He never comes off the field. He is not as big as some other players, but he has a big heart. He is an all-around player, and he is a great kid."
After Golden's touchdown, Ambeliotis scored his third touchdown on a 2-yard run to climax a 30-yard, seven-play drive set up by a fumble recovery.
Lisbon cut the deficit on quarterback Jay Yorty's 28-yard touchdown pass to R.J. Wills to cap a six-play, 65-yard march before DiFiore scored from the 20 with 4:11 left to climax a 52-yard, seven-play drive.
Turned the tide
Lisbon (11-2) coach Jim Tsilimos agreed Golden's touchdown was the turning point.
"That hurt us a little bit. That blunted our momentum. It took the wind out of our sails," said Tsilimos, whose Blue Devils, trailing 7-0 at the half, came out roaring to start the third quarter.
Lisbon tied the game at 7-7 on Yorty's 5-yard touchdown dash and Jacob Wycoff's placement to cap an eight-play, 61-yard drive.
But JFK retaliated to regain the lead on Ambeliotis' 28-yard scoring dash to climax a five-play, 67-yard drive.
Eagles monopolize plays
The Eagles dominated the first-half offensive show with advantages of 42-17 in plays run and 18:43-5:47 in time of possession. Lisbon had the ball for five series in the first half.
JFK took a 7-0 lead in the second quarter on Ambeliotis' 1-yard plunge that capped a 57-yard, 10-play drive.
"Anthony [Ambeliotis] and John [DiFiore] can thank the offensive line. John was never pressed," said Napolet. "[DiFiore] was making some good cuts in the second half, but he wasn't reading his blocks that well in the first half. [He] made some good reads. He made some good moves in the game.
"We [must] have controlled the line of scrimmage."
Golden also caught four passes for 13 yards, while Jimmy Kokrak had three receptions for 10 yards and Jack Henderson one catch for 30 yards.
Yorty threw for 98 yards on 6-for-13 and added 78 yards rushing in 12 carries for Lisbon. Frank Gallo added 40 yards in 10 carries, while Grafton had 33 yards in five runs.
Wills caught three passes for 51 yards for the Blue Devils, while Jeremaine Lewis had two catches for 34 yards and Gallo one reception for 23 yards.
JFK rushed for 301 yards in 58 carries to Lisbon's 149 yards in 29 attempts, and the Eagles enjoyed a 22-11 advantage in first downs.
kovach@vindy.com