Latrobe knocks off Plum behind running attack
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Friday, October 20, 2017 | 10:57 PM
Nearly every time Plum's defense appeared as though it was going to make a tackle Friday night, Latrobe's Ivan Etienne and Jason Armstrong seemed to evade them. They helped Latrobe to a 28-7 victory.
“They have two effective guys back there that did a good job. We just have to tackle better,” Plum coach Matt Morgan said.
A defensive battle left both teams scoreless in the first quarter. However, as time expired in the first quarter, Etienne broke several tackles for a 43-yard gain.
On the ensuing play, Armstrong handed off to Etienne, who ran 19 yards for a touchdown to give the Wildcats a 7-0 lead.
Plum (3-6, 3-5) responded quickly behind the running of senior Colt Robb.
Plum's Anthony Little found Seth Norcutt for a 4-yard touchdown pass to level the score at 7-7 with 1 minute, 36 seconds left in the half. The score remained tied heading into the second half.
In the third quarter, Latrobe scored on its first drive on an explosive 17-yard run by Armstrong.
After a turnover on downs early in the fourth quarter, Latrobe moved the ball to the 3-yard line. Armstrong handed off to Etienne, who avoided a tackle and stayed on his feet to score his second touchdown of the night.
“Ivan is just an explosive player,” Latrobe coach Jason Marucco said. “You give him the ball and don't tell him too much what to do. Just let him play.”
With 1:47 left in the game, Armstrong completed a 20-yard touchdown pass to Mirko Pandini to make the score 28-7.
“Jason's been doing it all year,” Marucco said. “He's been the trigger guy for us. He's the guy that touches the ball every play. We ask him to do a lot, and he's continued to make plays for us on offense and defense.”
Armstrong completed 7 of 12 passes for 86 yards and a touchdown.
Latrobe's defense was equally impressive, forcing the Mustangs into minus-48 rushing yards.
“Our defense was awesome,” Marucco said. “Our defensive coordinator put together a great plan, and most importantly our kids executed it to a tee.”
Latrobe (3-6, 2-5) will host Connellsville at Memorial Stadium next Friday.
“Next week is really important to me,” Marucco said. “It's our first freshman class (as coaches). They've done everything we've asked them to do. I really want them to finish here with a win.”
Zach D'Amico is a freelance writer.
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