South Fayette finds right gear, runs to win
MCDONALD – Coming into Friday’s game, South Fayette had one of the most potent passing attacks in the WPIAL.
Greensburg Salem was able to slow that powerful air attack, but the Lions countered with a stiff running game, a solid defensive effort and some stellar plays on special teams.
The defense and special teams spotted South Fayette the first 21 points and the passing attack got started late in the first half, as the Lions pulled off a 51-28 victory over Greensburg Salem in non-section action.
“Our defense and special teams really carried us in the early stages of the game,” South Fayette coach Joe Rossi said. “We are a scrappy bunch and sometimes our defense gets overlooked. Our offense finally settled in the middle quarters and it was enough to get the win.”
The Lions (3-1) grabbed an early 7-0 lead just six seconds into the game, as a high snap sailed into the end zone and Peyton Tinney recovered for a touchdown.
The electric RayQuin Glover was responsible for the next two scores, one by way of a 32-yard rushing touchdown and the other on a 65-yard punt return score.
As South Fayette’s offense sputtered in the early stages of the game, the Golden Lions (1-3) were able to get back into the game with two quick touchdowns.
A 4-yard run by Aaren Putt and a 47-yard scoring toss to Tyler Williams from Trent Patrick made things tight for the home team.
Just before halftime, the Lions were able to mount a solid drive and quarterback Jamie Diven capped the drive with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Mike Trimbur with 38 seconds left in the second quarter. South Fayette carried a 27-14 lead into halftime.
“We put some things together on offense, but we couldn’t come back from the slow start,” Greensburg Salem coach Dave Keefer said. “Sometimes, we are our worst enemy. You can’t make mistakes against a good team. We slowed down their passing game with some different blitzes and I liked our game plan. They are just tough to stop every drive.”
South Fayette continued to carry the play to start the third quarter and quickly went up 41-14 after a pair of scoring drives that ended with a 5-yard touchdown run by Andrew Franklin and a 53-yard touchdown pass to Ryan McGuire from Diven.
The Lions increased their lead to 44-14 in the middle of the third after a 33-yard field goal by Ryan Coe, who earlier in the week committed to Temple University.
“Ryan is a luxury to have,” Rossi said. “Every Friday night, he is a factor for us. He is good from 30-plus yards on field goals and is just consistent on extra points. He does a nice job on kickoffs and getting touchbacks every single kickoff. When teams always have to start their drives on the 20-yard line, that’s huge for our defense.”
Sandwiched around a pair of touchdowns by the Golden Lions was a 41-yard touchdown pass to Trimbur from Diven to all by ice this one for South Fayette.
Diven threw for 192 yards on 11 of 21 passing with three touchdowns, and Franklin rushed for 121 yards and a score. Glover also added 76 yards on the ground.
“Glover and Franklin are a really good 1-2 punch for us in the backfield,” Rossi said. “Their running styles are different and they work well together. When we get those guys, we are hard to stop. Both are electrifying players and can take it to the house on any carry.”
For Greensburg Salem, Patrick threw for 121 yards and two scores. Putt finished with 103 yards on 13 rushes.