Sayre Prevails 14-9 In Well Played 24 Minute, Regulation, Session
Brossart and the Sayre Spartans have matched up well in the two regular season games played between the two teams over the past three years, splitting competitive well-played games, and again tonight in two 12 minute, stop and go, regulation play scrimmage periods.
The Spartans struck first swallowing up three minutes, putting together a 75 yard drive, culminated by a 47 yard pass play from veteran quarterback Cole Pennington to a Corbin transfer newcomer, who sprinted into the end-zone for a touchdown, giving the visitors a quick 6-0 lead, which expanded into a 7-0 lead with a successful PAT attempt.
Neither team was able to pick up a first down on their next sequences, until the Mustangs got good field position compliments of a major Daniel Williamson sack of Pennington, setting up Brossart quarterback Jacob Leicht for a 41 yard scamper to inside the 10 yard line. The period ended with Brossart in possession of the ball, fourth and goal from the Sayre 2 yard line.
Starting the second period, Sayre’s defense was up to the task, and the Spartans dodged a major Brossart bullet as the Mustangs turned the ball over on downs with no Govan to muscle it in.
The Mustang defense returned the favor forcing a punt from the end zone, on which the snap was fielded while on the ground for a safety, and the Mustangs were on the board at 7-2.
Despite fumbling the ball away on our next possession, not to worry, as Junior Luke Piscitello stepped into a passing lane, picked off a Pennington aerial, and rambled 66 yards, before being run down, giving the Mustangs excellent field position. Eight yards later Leicht carried the pigskin into the end zone, and we had a new leader, with the Mustangs poking a head in front at 9-7 when Piscitello knocked home the extra point.
With 4:10 remaining in the match, Sayre put together a 75 yard drive, and took the lead at 14-9 when Pennington scored on a quarterback sneak from 8 yards out, and the place-kicker succeeded on the PAT.
Time expired with the Mustangs marching unsuccessfully, and the final horn and lightning arrived simultaneously, unfortunately wiping out the JV matchup with Sayre, and another varsity session with Gallatin County. As I sit here at 10:30pm, thunder continues to rumble through Alexandria, validating the decision.
TAKEAWAYS – I saw a lot of good things from our guys Thursday night. Pennington is a premier third year quarterback, the son of an NFL QB. Our secondary made him work for every yard earned. Offensively, our O-Line gave Leicht plenty of time to throw, and defensively, playing without big man, David Govan, we were tenacious. Leicht stood out on both sides of the football. My man, Luke Piscitello, had a huge night (I have a lot of “My Man”s). He got the job done kicking off effectively, intercepted a pass for a long gainer, sacked the quarterback for the safety, and kicked an extra-point for good measure. Derek Martin, is one tough dude, making several key tackles.
The Mustangs open the regular season next Friday night at home at 7pm versus Dayton. The Greendevils will be no pushovers. They are always most potent on opening night, and have had a great pre-season. So have we. Hopefully, we will get a good weather night. The game will be televised via NFHS and broadcast (audio) live starting at 6:40pm via this website. And now… On to Official Football Season!!!