No. 1 Penn-Trafford earns blowout win over Armstrong

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Friday, October 13, 2017 | 11:15 PM


When Penn-Trafford ran onto the field before kickoff against Armstrong on Friday, the PA announcer introduced them as “your No. 1-ranked Warriors” to the fans packed into Warrior Stadium on homecoming night.

It only took 2 minutes, 2 seconds for Penn-Trafford to put their ranking on display in a 49-3 rout.

Sophomore Caleb Libson ran for a 24-yard touchdown to give the Warriors a 7-0 lead on their first drive.

Penn-Trafford's defense was equally impressive, forcing the Riverhawks (4-4, 2-4) into three turnovers.

On Armstrong's first possession, Dimitri George intercepted a pass that gave Penn-Trafford's senior quarterback, Cam Laffoon, a chance to take control.

Laffoon drove the Warriors (8-0, 6-0) down the field and threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Suman to make it 14-0.

“I think we did a good job tonight running the ball,” Warriors coach John Ruane said. “But I was more excited about our passing game. That was what we really needed to work on, and I think we did a real good job throwing.”

Laffoon completed 10 of 17 passes for 153 yards.

Riverhawks coach Frank Fabian said if his team could contain Penn Trafford's rushing attack, it would give them a chance to keep up with the Warriors offense.

What Fabian was not expecting was for Laffoon to take over.

“Their quarterback got white-hot. He didn't miss,” Fabian said. “All credit to him.”

With 9:49 remaining in the first half, the Warriors recovered an onside kick after a John Gay touchdown.

On the following play, Laffoon threw a 47-yard pass to Anthony Cervone that set up the Warriors' fourth touchdown of the first half.

After a Caleb Libson 9-yard touchdown run with 5:31 left in the third quarter, the running clock went into effect.

Libson finished with three touchdowns and rushed for 113 yards.

The Warriors face Kiski (1-7, 1-5) next week.

“Whatever we're ranked is really irrelevant right now,” Ruane said. “I'm just happy that we're getting better each week. We certainly don't want this to be the peak of our season. We want to get into the playoffs and play our best at that point.”

Zach D'Amico is a freelance writer.

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