Frustrated Falcons pound Blue Streaks

By Tom Williams

AUSTINTOWN — Propelled by two turnovers in the second quarter, the Fitch High football team channeled frustrations from recent losses against Federal League rival Lake to pound the Blue Streaks, 49-26, on Friday night.

With their playoff hopes vanquished, the Falcons (6-3, 3-3 FL) vented against Lake (4-5, 3-4), outscoring the Blue Streaks 21-7 in the second quarter to open up a 21-point halftime lead.

Fitch rushed for 308 yards on 57 carries, as quarterback Jon Ballard gained 114 yards on 20 carries. Will Mahone had 108 on 17 carries and Bruce Reed had 106 on 15 tries.

Ballard, who also passed for 98 yards and two touchdowns, said the persistent rain was a challenge.

“It can be fun [playing in the rain] but with our spread offense, it’s harder to operate,” said Ballard, whose 5-yard touchdown pass to Sam Mariano gave Fitch a 21-14 lead.

Ballard credited linemen George Thomas, Colby Jacobs, Tamron Smith, Brett Comeau and Dan Walter for seizing control of the game.

“Our line played big, they played great and the running backs hit the holes hard,” Ballard said.

Coach Phil Annarella agreed.

“We blocked well,” Annarella said. “It comes down to execution and intensity. We did not play with intensity last week [a 31-14 loss to Perry]. We did tonight.”

Thomas said, “Oh man, everyone loves playing in the rain. I’m just glad that the rain didn’t mess with our heads.

“Last week, we didn’t get off the bus, we didn’t come ready to play,” said Thomas. “We had a good week of practice and we came to play ... and it showed out there on the scoreboard.”

The Falcons needed just 20 seconds to take the lead. After Demetrius Davis’ 61-yard kick return, Reed scored a 23-yard touchdown.

The Blue Streaks recovered a muffed punt and marched to the Fitch 1 where Mariano recovered a Jim Luther fumble to help the Falcons dodge a bullet.

Following Luther’s 5-yard touchdown run, the Falcons regained the lead almost immediately when Mahone broke loose for a 45-yard touchdown.

Lake answered with six-play, 59-yard drive capped by Ryan Christiansen’s 4-yard toss to tight end Corey Paulino.

The Falcons responded with a scoring drive and another key turnover. Mariano’s touchdown reception was followed Cam Patterson’s huge hit on Paulino, causing a fumble at midfield.

“Through some good hard hitting, we knocked the ball loose a couple of times and that was critical,” Annarella said.

Thirteen plays later, Ballard scored on a 1-yard plunge for a 28-14 lead.

“I could tell he was ready from the get-go,” Annarella said. “We told him he needed to make some plays himself and he used his head well. He read coverage well when he threw it.”

On the final play of the first half, Ballard found Terry Terrigno in the back of the end zone for a backbreaking score.

Ballard said flu ravaged the team before the Perry loss. This week was another story.

“Everyone came to practice geared up, ready to go,” Ballard said. “Coach Annarella put together a great game plan and we executed well.”

Luther rushed 22 times for 147 yards for the Blue Streaks.

Fitch closes its season next week against Boardman.

“We’re playing these last two for pride,” Annarella said. “We know it and we just want to end it on a real positive note.”

williams@vindy.com