Ridge’s Zitello gains 244 yards against McDonald

The Rams are 3-0, while McDonald lost for the first time.

By JOHN BASSETTI

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

MINERAL RIDGE — A mental lapse during the coin toss could have had disastrous consequences for Mineral Ridge, but the Rams recovered with big plays in the second half to defeat McDonald, 24-14.

McDonald benefited from kickoffs at the beginning of both halves, courtesy of a Mineral Ridge captain’s use of the wrong word.

“The kid said ‘kick’ instead of ‘defer,’ ” Mineral Ridge coach Dom Leone said of the verbal slip to the referee after the Rams won the coin toss and had their choice to start the second half.

The incident appeared to have been a costly mistake after McDonald took the second-half kickoff and marched 61 yards to take a 14-10 lead.

Game-changer

But, a series later, A.J. Zitello broke loose for a 72-yard touchdown run and Phil Ciavarella’s point-after kick put the home team on top for good, 17-14.

“The hole was gigantic,” said the senior running back. “I’m glad my speed got there and gave us a big momentum shifter.”

Zitello said the play was a middle isolation play.

“We just started that this week and it really worked out for us.”

Behind center Joe Rouzzo, guards Steve Yacovone and Dominic Armeni, tackles Nate Harris and Donny Kountz and tight end Matt Dominick, Zitello finished with 244 yards on 33 carries.

“That run broke it open for us,” Leone said. “I thought we were stale, but when you break a run like that it gives you a whole new life.”

Two other plays that had an impact were Joey Miller’s 69-yard punt and Ken Mazurkiewicz’s outstanding catch of Miller’s 31-yard touchdown pass.

“That’s gotta be play of the week,” Leone said of Mazurkiewicz’s reception in the left corner of the end zone with 4:57 remaining.

“It was just a simple ‘go’ pattern and I think the quarterback [Miller} laid a beautiful ball in there,” Leone said of the completion on 4th-and-26.

Punt does wonders

Miller’s punt into the end zone gave Mineral Ridge excellent field position when it eventually took possession to begin a 44-yard drive that ended with Mazurkiewicz’s TD.

“He was all-league last year,” Leone said. “With the wind, he got a heck of a lay on it. That’s life when you get the crowd and kids into it.”

Mineral Ridge’s Kent Cunningham scored the game’s first touchdown on an 8-yard run, Mazurkiewicz had two interceptions and Ciavarella recovered a fumble.

The Rams outgained McDonald, 290 to 55 on the ground, but Matt Krumpak completed 10 of 23 for 115 yards and two touchdowns for the Blue Devils.

Krumpak found Alex Sampson from one yard out and tossed another TD to Joe Witkoski from eight yards away. Jack Breegle made both PATs.

McDonald coach Dan Williams was complimentary of his defense.

“Ridge got some yards and scored early on, but our front line and linebackers hung in there. Ridge wears on you. They’re a big, strong, physical team, but our kids played strong and physical as well.”

Williams said his team’s downfall may have hinged on a missed tackle on Zitello’s 72-yarder.

“We knew he’s a good runner, but it’s just a matter of things not going your way at times.”

Williams expects his Blue Devils to regroup for Jackson-Milton next week.

“We are a good football team. Your first goal is to go 10-0, then the league championship. That league championship is still out there for us to play for.”

bassetti@vindy.com