Pangborn 21, Pasquerilla East 7 – Dominic Ianelli
Under the lights of Riehle Fields on Monday, Pangborn defeated Pasquerilla East, 21-7.
Pasquerilla East junior captain Noelle Gooding noted that though the end result was disappointing, the Pyros (2-3) still played a strong game.
“Obviously this isn’t the result we wanted,” Gooding said. “But we went out there, we had a great time, we made some great plays. I’m just really proud of the way everyone came together. We had a lot of injuries. We faced a lot of adversity on this team, but I think we did a great job overall.”
The Pyros started with the ball, but Pangborn (4-1) came up with a key fourth-down stop to thwart the opening drive. Pangborn took over and scored on a run by senior captain and quarterback Gracie Gallagher.
Observer File Photo
Observer File Photo
Pasquerilla East began its next possession with two deep passes, but the Pangborn defense came up with a goal-line stand to keep the Pyros out of the end zone. Gallagher then connected with junior receiver Heather Lystad for a 60-yard touchdown to push the Phoxes further ahead.
Pangborn’s defense came up with yet another stop, forcing Pasquerilla East to punt. Time expired on the first half with the Phoxes fewer than 10 yards from another score.
In the second half, Gooding caught a 20-yard fade off the play action deep in the back of the end zone, putting the Pyros on the board.
Despite an interception by junior defensive back Maddie McGovern, the Pyros were unable to score again in the second half due to a staunch Pangborn defense. Lystad closed the game out with a 15-yard touchdown run for the Phoxes.
Gallagher said she was thrilled with her team’s performance.
“We came out really strong which was awesome,” Gallagher said. “Defense played amazing. Offense got everything clicking. I’m so excited we could come out and play so well.”
Pangborn will take on Badin on Sunday at 4 p.m. at Labar Practice Complex, and Pasquerilla East will face Lewis on Monday at 10 p.m. at Riehle Fields.
Ryan 19, Cavanaugh 14 – Maureen Schweninger
Ryan remained undefeated this season after defeating Cavanaugh on Tuesday, 19-14.
During the first half, each team experienced a lack of offensive momentum en route to a scoreless halftime score — both Ryan (4-0-1) and Cavanaugh (2-3) had two unsuccessful trips to the red zone in the opening stanza.
Cavanaugh senior receiver and captain Katie Kaes was pleased with her team’s defensive effort against Ryan’s three-quarterback offense.
“We did really well containing them,” Kaes said. “It’s really hard working against a team that has multiple girls that can play quarterback, and they’re all equally good at throwing and running. Our defense was great with minimizing that damage.”
Ryan’s offense was led by its trio of quarterbacks: senior Erin Clark, junior Shawn Hall and freshman Grace Seibert. Hall ran for a 70-yard touchdown right after halftime, and Clark followed with a pass of her own later in the game.
Cavanaugh responded with two touchdowns in kind, but Hall’s second touchdown sealed the deal late in the fourth quarter.
Clark was happy with Ryan’s quarterback scheme overall.
“It’s proven pretty difficult to replace [injured freshman Jenny Moore], just because not one of us has all of her versatility,” Clark said. “But at the end of the day, I think all of our QBs could step up and play in the position. It was just a test to see who was gelling well.”
Kaes was very proud of Cavanaugh’s resilience, but said the team does have areas to improve.
“I think we need to work on how we do under high-pressure situations,” Kaes said. “In a stressful game like this, I think we did exceptionally well, especially against Ryan, who is very, very good.”
Ryan will play Pasquerilla West in a battle of the undefeated Oct. 27 at 7 p.m., while Cavanaugh will take on Breen-Phillips this Sunday at 6 p.m.
