FEDERAL LEAGUE Fitch defenders dominate Perry, 20-0

The unbeaten Falcons didn't allow Panthers a first down in the Federal League opener.
By CHUCK HOUSTEAU
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
AUSTINTOWN -- "No first downs?"
That's what Austintown Fitch coach Neil Kopp asked in seeking confirmation after his team shut out Massillon Perry 20-0 in the Falcons first Federal League game of the season.
Not a one was the answer.
That's how dominating the Fitch defense was Friday against the Panthers on a muddy field at Falcon Stadium.
Because of some turnovers and penalties, Perry had the football on the Fitch side of the field three times in the second and third quarters, but could not take advantage because of the tenacious Falcons defense.
With Fitch holding a 14-0 lead, early in the third quarter, Perry blocked a punt and took over on the Falcons 39.
The Fitch defense however turned back the threat, holding on four plays, and were never really challenged again.
"We've played great defense all year," Kopp said. "We played some outstanding redzone defense. We had that turnover off the punt leading 14-0 and that was a big hold for us.
"They score there and it's a dogfight the rest of the game," Kopp said.
Not really because Fitch dominated on the defensive side of the football.
The Falcons yielded just 25 yards rushing on 24 carries and held the Panthers passing attack to 12 yards on two completions in 10 attempts.
Mang triggers offense
Offensively, the Falcons were led by quarterback John Mang and a ball control offense that netted 287 yards and 15 first downs.
Mang scored two first half touchdowns on runs of 5 and 9 yards to give Fitch a 14-0 lead at halftime.
Mang's first score came on its first offensive possession following an interception and return by Nigel Taylor to the Perry 9 yard line.
In the second quarter, Fitch marched 64 yards in 12 plays before Mang scored on a quarterback keeper.
The rest of the night belonged to running backs Mike Eliseo, Dane Stilgenbauer and Tom Sudetic.
Eliseo rushed for 123 yards on 24 carries and scored the final Fitch touchdown on an impressive 19-yard run.
Stilgenbauer added 100 yards on 16 carries and Sudetic had 22 on 5 carries.
"We ran the ball well," Kopp said. "We controlled the line of scrimmage and took care of the football."
Fitch has become a feared team in the Federal League with its impressive 4-0 start.
"I think teams are looking at us as the team to beat in the league," Kopp said. "We have to keep improving but we have a chance to be a very good team."