YC edges Lutheran East, 13-12

By Jim Flick

CANFIELD — Senior quarterback Dan Pecchia lofted two touchdown passes in the second half Saturday to lead Youngstown Christian to a 13-12 victory over Lutheran East.

Coaches from both teams labeled the game a defensive struggle.

The margin of victory came on an extra point kick by Eagles senior Spencer Reed. It was the only point-after-touchdown scored by either team.

The Eagles could have won by a wide margin. With less than a minute to play, Youngstown Christian (3-3) had a first-and-goal inside the 5 yard line. But rather than try to boost the lead over Lutheran East (1-5), Pecchia twice took the snap and put a knee to the ground.

Youngstown Christian coach Brian Marrow said windy conditions made it difficult for his team’s passing offense. Pecchia was the area’s most efficient passer after five games, but threw the ball only 11 times, completing seven. He also threw two interceptions.

“Our offensive line stepped it up for us,” Marrow said.

But the Eagles’ defense was a big reason for the win.

“It’s the old bend but don’t break,” said Dave Gessler, the Eagles’ defensive coordinator. “We played enough defense to win. Just enough.”

Lutheran East coach Donald Dawson said, “Youngstown Christian played smart defense. When they saw opportunities [on defense] they took advantage of them.

“My team fought hard,” Dawson said. “But we struggled in the red zone.

“We gave Pecchia too many second chance opportunities. He’s a playmaker,” Dawson said. “When he’s in trouble, his receivers get open and he finds them.”

Another key factor in Youngstown Christian’s offense was senior halfback Caleb Yanno, who gained 92 yards on 18 carries.

The game’s leading ground-gainer was Lutheran East halfback Levert Cox, a junior who rushed for 127 yards in 28 carries. Cox also snagged two passes for 14 yards.

Pecchia threw two interceptions in the first half, both desperation lobs. He completed only two passes in the first half for 12 yards.

The Eagles outgained the Falcons by a 285-179 margin.

Late in the third quarter, Lutheran East scored first. The points came after senior Duvelle Smith blocked a punt for the Falcons, who took over on the Eagles 19 yard line.

Quarterback Joey Graham ended the four-play drive by throwing a 12-yard touchdown pass to Cox.

Youngstown Christian’s Bobby Schmid returned the ensuing kickoff to the Lutheran East’s 45. The five-play, 45-yard drive ended when Victor Shaw caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Pecchia for a 6-6 tie.

The Eagles took the lead on a second Pecchia-Shaw connection, a 32-yard pass.

Reed’s kick split the uprights.

The Eagles launched an impressive 12-play, 80-yard drive that ended when junior Courtney Kidd scored a touchdown on a 12-yard pass from Brian Burdine. The two-point conversion attempt failed.