Falcons out to defend D9 football crown

Port Allegany comes to Coudersport Area Recreation Park Saturday for a survival clash in the PIAA District 9 football playoffs.

Winner moves into next weekend's semifinals, while the loser is eliminated. Opening kickoff is at 8 p.m., rather than the 7 p.m. announced in some newspapers.

The teams already met once this season. Coudersport (7-2) came to life after a slow start to roll to a 28-7 win.

Quarterback Brian "Boomer" Wetzel connected on 16 of 22 pass attempts for 229 yards and three touchdowns. Brett Whitman caught six of those passes for 95 yards and two scores. Sophomore Dirk Cowburn had 99 yards and two touchdowns on three catches. Cowburn also gained 43 yards on 14 rushes. Overall, however, Coudy's running game produced just 68 yards.

Port Allegany (6-3) moved the ball well on the ground to start the game, but could do little against the Falcon defense after that.

The Gators' ground game has potential, led by running backs Nick Nichols and Mark Larson, along with quarterback Derick Morey.

Kane (10-0), Cameron County (9-1) and Redbank Valley (9-1) join Coudersport with home games to open the D9 playoffs. Other qualifiers are Keystone (6-4), Elk County Catholic (5-5) and Curwensville (4-5).

One D9 team will advance into the state tournament.