Baldwin held in check against Avalon (Md.)

By: Sean Saputo
Friday, August 23, 2019 | 11:01 PM

After fumbling the opening possession and allowing a touchdown just a few plays later, Avalon faced a 7-0 deficit. But the Black Knights took control from then on, defeating Baldwin(0-1, 0-0), 26-7, in a game that was part of the Western Pa. vs. Everyone Showcase at Woodland Hills’ Wolvarena.

After the Baldwin touchdown less than two minutes into the game, Avalon took over, getting rushing touchdowns from running backs Joseph Goins Jr., Joshua Pitsenberger and quarterback Clay Vance.

The lone passing touchdown and final points of the game came when Vance connected with Menyelek Ward for a 64-yard touchdown.

The Black Knights offense was led on the ground by Pitsenberger, who carried 14 times for 78 yards and a touchdown. Vance completed 12 of 21 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown.

Throughout the game, the Highlanders hurt themselves with 10 personal foul/unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Before the game, Black Knights coach Tyree Spinner said the team that was most disciplined would win.

After the game, Spinner praised his team for just that.

“It was a true testament to the will and character of our team,” he said.

Avalon’s defense held Baldwin to 145 total yards, 66 in the first half. Running back Angelo Priore was the lone bright spot for the Highlanders offense, rushing for 84 yards on 17 carries. He was held to 13 yards on nine carries in the first half.

Baldwin quarterback Mason Stahl also found the going tough, carrying 12 times for no yards. The Highlanders knew they had some work to do up front with such a young offensive line.

“We’re young. Coming into a game like this, I’m grateful we play a Week Zero game because now we know what we need to clean up that stuff and we can get those things corrected,” coach Loran Cooley said.

For Avalon, it viewed the opportunity to play out of state, against the WPIAL as a way to gain exposure for its players and its school. The Black Knights relished the experience.

“It promoted confidence in our kids,” Spinner said. “I wanted our kids to see life in the DMV (DC Metro, Maryland and Northern Virginia) is very much similar, and it’s not the only place that has good football.”

As for the Highlanders, it’ll take its 0-1 record into a matchup next week on the road against Class 6A’s Butler Golden Tornado (0-1).

According to Cooley, things will be just fine in time for that matchup. “A lot of the things we did wrong can be easily corrected. We’re lucky we got to play a great team [Avalon] and we’ll get them fixed tomorrow and be ready for Butler.”

Tags: Baldwin