Late Canon-McMillan TD spoils Albert’s coaching debut at Kiski Area

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, August 25, 2017 | 10:48 PM

At times, there were some mistakes that led to missed chances for the Kiski Area offense. Flashes of what could be a potent attack combined with a stalwart defensive effort was almost enough for a victory.

But a leaping 14-yard touchdown catch by Andrew Engel from Jonathan Quinque in the final two minutes spoiled Sam Albert's coaching debut for Kiski Area as Canon-McMillan scored a 17-10 win over the Cavaliers at Vandergrift's Davis Field.

Surrounded by defenders in the corner of the end zone, Engel rose above everyone and came down with the football.

“We had just one week of camp to put in a whole new offense and defense, so I'm proud of the kids,” Albert said.

“They played like heck and didn't back off. (Engel) just made a great catch at the end there. We had guys there, but he made a great catch.”

The Big Macs took over on the Kiski Area 40-yard line with just under five minutes remaining.

Quinque, who came in for an injured Tre Lewis earlier in the fourth quarter, led them down the field before connecting with Engel for the winning score.

“When (Lewis) went down, I just turned around to the bench and said ‘JQ, you're in,' ” Canon-McMillan coach Mike Evans said. “He didn't panic. He's a very even-keeled kid. He went 4-for-4 down the stretch and it was a big moment for him.”

Cuyler Rancher intercepted a Ryne Wallace pass in the final minute, ending Kiski Area's hopes.

Rancher also had an 82-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the first.

Kiski Area squandered a couple of first-half opportunities, including after an Isaac Reid interception set the Cavaliers up at the Big Macs' 16. A bad snap and a sack put the Cavaliers out of field-goal range and they turned the ball over on downs.

In the fourth though, the Cavaliers put together a 12-play, 68-yard drive that ended in a Ross Greece score from 2 yards out, which put Kiski Area ahead 10-9 with 10 minutes left to play.

A key fourth-down conversion on a 14-yard pass from Wallace to Reid set up the Cavaliers. Wallace and Bryson Venanzio saw a lot of time at quarterback and each threw for over 100 yards. Wallace finished with 117 and Venanzio had 101.

“We trust both of those guys,” Albert said. “Both of them played well, and we were happy with what they did for us tonight.”

The Cavaliers kept Canon-McMillan in check for most of the night.

They held the Big Macs to minus-6 yards in the first half and 68 for the game.

“I thought our defense was outstanding tonight,” Albert said. “They were all over the field and we're making big plays all night.”

Jerin Steele is a freelance writer.

Tags: Canon-McMillan, Kiski School