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McGuffey puts scare into Jeannette
For the Observer-Reporter
CLAYSVILLE - After watching his high-powered offense struggle throughout the first half, Jeannette head coach Ray Reitz probably wanted to call alum Terrelle Pryor for an offensive spark.
Instead, Reitz called on senior running back Jordan Hall to ignite his offense.
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The Jayhawks (6-0, 6-0) set a school record with their 22nd consecutive victory. This one, however, was closer than some figured.
The Highlanders (3-3, 3-3) supplied the toughest competition the Jayhawks have faced so far this season. Coming into the game, Jeannette allowed a total of 7 points, while scoring an impressive 214.
McGuffey led 13-7 at the half, due to an inspired effort from their defense. On homecoming night, the Highlanders limited the Jayhawks to 69 first half yards. Overall, the Highlanders defense forced three turnovers, three sacks and a blocked punt. The defense kept the Highlanders in the game with the defending state champions until late in the fourth quarter.
"Our defense played great," said McGuffey head coach Derek Bochna. "We hung toe to toe with them. We were physical and we played hard."
The Highlanders defense opened the scoring in the first quarter, when Justin Bartlett picked up a fumbled snap and raced 14 yards for a touchdown. After the Jayhawks tied the game at six, the Highlanders offense produced its biggest play of the game when Derrick Whipkey took a handoff on a double-counter and scored a 49-yard touchdown.
"Give all the credit to McGuffey," said Jeannette head coach Ray Reitz. "(Bochna) does a great job with them. They came out and really took it to us in the first half."
The Highlanders had an opportunity to increase the lead, but quarterback Matt Czulewicz was intercepted at the end of the half.
Starting with the opening possession of the second half, the Jayhawks used their superior speed to their advantage. Most of their second half plays were designed to utilize Hall on the outside.
When Hall wasn't making big plays, Jayhawks quarterback Cameron Baradzeij made big plays with both his arm and his legs. Baradzeij rushed for three scores, a week after throwing four touchdown passes in a win over Charleroi.
After surrendering the lead, the Highlanders had chances, but could not convert on offense. They went without a first down until the seven-minute mark of the fourth quarter.
"They have a lot of speed on defense," added Bochna. "They were able to chase down many plays and got great help from the backside."
The Highlanders had one last opportunity in the fourth quarter after Czulewicz blocked a punt. Starting at the Jeannette 25, Czulewicz scampered 15 yards on a quarterback draw setting up a first-and-goal.
Czulewicz was stopped on three straight runs and on fourth down was picked off by Moziah Harris. It was the second interception of the game for Harris.
"Matt is a great athlete," said Bochna. "He had fresh legs so we decided to take a shot and run him. They just were able to make the plays."
Despite the loss, McGuffey still controls its playoff destiny. The Highlanders have victories over South Allegheny and Mt. Pleasant, the two teams right behind them in the standings.
"I told the kids that everything is ours to control," said Bochna. "We have three games left. All we have to do is take care of business."
