Raiders Survive Early Scare At Port Allegany

Port Allegany quarterback Derick Morey was on the run, especially after the halftime break, as the Raiders rallied from a 12-0 deficit to clip the Gators and remain on course for a PIAA District 9 playoff berth.

Old Man Murphy followed the Red Raiders to Port Allegany for Saturday afternoon's varsity football game.

He's the fellow who says, "Anything that CAN go wrong WILL go wrong," and he joined the Red and White on the field throughout the first half.

But Cameron County (4-2) rallied from a 12-0 halftime deficit to disappoint a large Gator homecoming crowd and keep alive the Raiders'hopes for a PIAA District 9 playoff berth with a 14-12 win.

Jordan Crane hit Mike Malizia with a short pass that the latter turned into a 50-yard TD play. Later, Patrick Catalano scored on a five-yard touchdown run. Catalano got the call again on the two-point conversion, scoring what proved to be the game-winner.

Port Allegany drew first blood after intercepting Crane to take over at the Raider 25. Derick Morey's 25-yard touchdown pass to Colby Brookens made the score 6-0. The PAT attempt sailed wide right.

Strong defense helped visiting Cameron County hold off the Port Allegany Gators after falling behind 12-0. The Red Raiders scored twice in the second half and tacked on a two-point conversion that proved to be the margin of victory in a 14- 12 squeaker. Things should be easier when Sheffield comes to Emporium next Friday night.

Cameron County was zeroing-in on the Gator endzone after an impressive drive, only to have R. J. Shively pick off another Crane aerial at the hosts' four-yard line.

Port Allegany launched a drive that consumed most of the second quarter and ended when Morey dodged a heavy pass rush, found a seam, and ran 10 yards for a TD. His twopoint conversion pass fell incomplete.

Head Coach Tony Defilippi had plenty to talk about during the intermission; his Raiders had lost three fumbles to go along with the two interceptions.

They came out with a sense of mission after the break.

Crane's pass to Malizia in the middle of the field turned into a big gainer. Malizia was pounded as he completed his journey, but held on and muscled into the endzone. Dan Slottje's kick was blocked, freezing the score at 12-6.

Gator Mark Chelgreen, one of the Allegheny Mountain League's true speedsters, fielded the ensuing kickoff and returned it deep into Raider territory before Sean McManigle tracked him down.

It was gut check time for the CCHS defense and the Raiders passed the test, dropping Nick Nichols in his tracks on a critical fourth-and-two call from the five-yard line.

Catalano made several impressive runs on a long Cameron County drive that included 13 plays.

After Catalano scored the TD to net the score 12-12, Defilippi eschewed the kick and decided to go for two. Catalano ran into heavy traffic, but used strong second effort to cross the plane for the deciding points.

A fired-up Raider defense held off the hosts throughout the fourth quarter. Cory Smith's second interception of the game choked off one advance. McManigle's pick of a Morey pass in the closing minutes sealed the win.

John Malizia was the workhorse of a ground game that amassed 262 of the Raiders' 329 total yards. He carried 11 times for 70 yards. Catalano gained most of his 56 yards on the gamewinning drive. Darrick Mason chipped in with 44 yards on the ground.

The Red Raiders headed to Elk County Catholic for the final road game of the regular season Friday night; results weren't available by press time.

A feckless Sheffield squad comes to Emporium next Friday night (7:00). Johnsonburg follows on Oct. 27.

Allegheny Mt. Standings

North: Coudersport 6-0, Cameron County 4-2, Port Allegany 2-4, Otto-Eldred 2-4, Sheffield 1-5, Smethport 0-6.

South: Curwensville 5-1, Johnsonburg 5-1, Ridgway 4- 2, Elk County Catholic 3-3, Brockway 2-4, Kane 2-4.