Kiski Area takes advantage of Connellsville miscues for 1st victory

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, September 23, 2017 | 12:09 AM

Through the first half of the high school football season, things have not gone according to plan for Connellsville or Kiski Area.

But on Friday night, the Cavaliers, who have turned in some strong performances despite four straight losses, were finally rewarded for their effort as they cruised to a 42-7 Class 5A Big East Conference victory over the Falcons at Connellsville Stadium.

“We're literally four plays away from being a 5-0 team, and it was great for our kids to get this win,” Kiski coach Sam Albert said. “I'm always proud of the effort, and they did a great job.”

The mood wasn't exactly the same on the other sideline as the Falcons continued to struggle with some basic aspects of the game. Connellsville took numerous penalties and turned the ball over four times.

“One part was definitely the turnovers, but we're just not tackling,” Connellsville coach Marko Thomas said. “We've just got to get better.”

Connellsville's first turnover was on its first possession as Andrew Mason intercepted a Dylan Bubarth pass and returned it deep into Connellsville territory. From there, Ross Greece did the rest, scoring on a 1-yard run. It was the first of three touchdowns for Greece, who racked up 61 yards on 13 carries.

“Greece is very good, and he runs hard every play,” Albert said.

Greece scored on a 3-yard run to help the Cavaliers grab a 14-0 lead after one quarter.

But Connellsville responded with an impressive march. The Falcons put together an eight-play drive that ended when Bubarth rolled to his right, then made a back pass to Cameron Wormack, who raced in untouched for an 8-yard touchdown.

On Kiski's next possession, Greece scored on a 1-yard run to make it 21-7. Troy Kuhn extended the Cavaliers' lead to three touchdowns when he returned an interception 30 yards for a score.

“I thought the kids did a great job executing the game plan,” Albert said. “We were able to get pressure and we did a great job in the secondary.”

Before the half was over, Jack Colecchi scampered in for an 11-yard score.

Then on Kiski's first series of the third quarter, Drew Dinunzio-Biss completed the scoring when he raced in for a 49-yard touchdown run.

Despite the score, Albert believes the Falcons continued to battle throughout.

“The Connellsville kids play hard,” Albert said.

The Cavaliers (1-4, 1-3) will host West Allegheny in a nonconference game next week. The Falcons (1-4, 0-4) have dropped four in a row and are home to Franklin Regional on Friday.

“We just have to find a way to get guys to believe in themselves,” Thomas said.

Jason Black is a freelance writer.

Tags: Connellsville, Kiski School