Kiski Area victory tempered by injury to Laurel Highlands standout Antwan Black Jr.

By: Bob Orkwis
Friday, September 8, 2023 | 11:46 PM

Kiski Area scored the winning touchdown with less than a minute to play to defeat Laurel Highlands, 28-24, on Friday at Richard A. Dilts Stadium. But the high-intensity contest was marred by a late injury to Laurel Highlands star Antwan Black Jr.

After catching a pass near midfield with 34 seconds remaining, Black was injured when he was tackled and could not get to his feet. The junior was placed on a back board and left via an ambulance. He eventually was flown by helicopter to an area hospital.

Laurel Highlands coach Rich Kolesar on Saturday said Black was improving and “in good spirits.”

“First off, our prayers go out to Antwan and his family,” said Kiski Area coach Sam Albert. “He a tremendous football player, and we hope the best for his recovery.”

Until that final chilling moment, the game had been an entertaining one.

Kiski Area took a 14-0 lead on touchdown passes from junior Carson Heinle. The first went to Isaiah Gonzalez from 26 yards on a fourth-and-goal in the first quarter. In the second quarter, Heinle found Bart Martin in the back of the end zone from 11 yards for the second Cavaliers score.

Laurel Highlands would rally and score the next 17 points.

Senior quarterback Johnny Duke scored on a 1-yard sneak late in the second quarter. Duke then found Black for a touchdown pass on fourth down from 19 yards to tie the score. Black made a fantastic, contested catch between two defenders in the end zone.

Tanner Bruzda then connected on a 24-yard field goal with 10 minutes, 30 seconds left in the game to give the Mustangs a 17-14 lead.

Kiski Area answered just over a minute later when Brennan Moore raced down the left side on a 69-yard run to put the Cavaliers back in front 21-17.

Moore also blocked a punt in the first half that led to the Martin touchdown catch.

Kiski Area was penalized 16 times in the game for 120 yards, including two encroachment penalties on the next Laurel Highlands drive that gave the Mustangs a pair of first downs.

“We have to quit making mistakes, and we need to be more consistent,” Albert said. “We get a big play, and then we jump offsides. We start some younger players, and that inconsistency comes from that.”

The Mustangs took advantage when Parker Hoff scored on a 10-yard run to make the score 24-21 with just under 4 minutes remaining.

Kiski Area had the final answer, with Heinle again spearheading the effort.

The Cavaliers started at their own 35-yard line. The drive neared midfield, and Kiski Area was faced with a third-and-9. Heinle used his legs to gain 22 yards and put the ball into Laurel Highlands territory.

Albert called the run the biggest play of the night for the Cavaliers.

“That run was incredible. He had some Houdini like moves on that one,” Albert said.

Heinle third touchdown pass was the eventual game winner.

He found Connor Jordan over the middle, and he ran 30 yards for a touchdown with 55 seconds left.

Heinle threw for 187 yards on 12-of-21 passing. He was picked off once to go with his three touchdowns.

“He (Heinle) got stuck in there last year at quarterback,” Albert said. “In our first game (against Plum), he ran for over 100 yards and passed for over 100 yards. What makes him good is his savvy, and he’s a tough kid.”

Hoff paced Laurel Highlands with 13 carriers and 106 yards and one score on the ground.

Laurel Highlands (1-2) opens Big Seven Conference play next week when it visits McKeesport.

Kiski Area improved to 1-2 and open Greater Allegheny Conference play next week at Hampton.

“Our conference from top to bottom is very good, so the nonconference schedule, hopefully, prepared us,” Albert said. “You just want to keep progressing. We seem healthy, and, hopefully, we can continue to get better.”

Tags: Kiski Area, Laurel Highlands