Published: September 20, 2008 12:28 am            

Johnstown’s defense shuts down Richland

Friday night’s crosstown clash between Johnstown and Richland figured to be a wide-open game offensively with both teams suited to make an assault on the scoreboard at Herlinger Field.

Playing at home in front of a vocal crowd fresh off a 34-point performance, Richland had the advantage and a chance to improve to 3-1, good enough to stay in the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference mix.

There was one problem: Someone forgot to tell the Trojans’ defense.

It was Johnstown that played sound defensive football throughout the game, and put enough points on the board to stun the Rams, 17-6.

“It didn’t matter if we were coming in undefeated, with one loss or whatever, we have to get some pride back in Johnstown,” Trojans coach Kevin Marabito said.

“The stands they made were part of what we had to do. We faced a lot of adversity, but the kids hung tough,” Marabito said. “Our mental preparation was great.”

The biggest test of the night for Johnstown came shortly after its 10-point advantage was shaved to 10-6 as Jordan Curcija scored for Richland with 3:43 left in the third.

Trailing to begin the fourth quarter, the Rams quickly put themselves in position to take a lead after quarterback Gino Ramires connected on a 43-yard pass to wide receiver Tim Ripple that put the ball on the Trojans 4.

Johnstown’s defensive line surged ahead to stop Ramirez on a third-and-goal, then recovered a fumble after an option pitch hit the turf at the 14.

“We knew they were going to come at us because their backs were against the wall,” Richland coach Brandon Bailey said. “We had our opportunities and just did not execute.

“The good thing about this league is there’s another game next week,” Bailey said. “We have McCort coming in here next week … we have to get in, get prepared and be ready to play.”

With a chance to seal the game, the Trojans answered the play of their teammates with an 11-play, 86-yard drive capped on a 1-yard sneak by Johnstown quarterback John Siciliano.

Quadir Christian gave the Richland defense all it could handle, rushing 18 times for 137 yards and a 3-yard touchdown run that stretched the Trojans’ lead to 10-0.

Johnstown held Ramires to 13-for-24 passing for 182 yards and two interceptions a week after the junior torched Bishop Carroll for 347 yards and five touchdowns.

        

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