Moon rolls to easy win over Bethel Park @Moon_Football @moon_area @MoonTigersAD

Tagged under: District 7, Gameday Hub, News

Andrew Schaffer | October 23, 2021

Tonight first place in the Allegheny Six conference was on the line between Moon and Bethel Park and it was Moon’s run game and defense that dominated in the 30-0 win against Bethel Park.

Moon’s run game was the story of the game being able to use several different runners in the game. Moon got the ball to start the game and they started at their own 17 yard line. Eventually they got into Bethel Park territory after a big run by Joe Cotton. But after that the drive stalled and Moon turned the ball over on downs.

After the stop Bethel Park started at their own 30 yard line. The drive didn’t go anywhere after a run and 2 incomplete passes they punted it away.

Moon started their second drive with decent field position at their own 45. It only took 2 plays to get into Bethel Park territory. A couple of plays later, Moon turned to their power back Ben Bladel who scored on a 26 yard run. After the missed extra point it was 6-0 Moon with 2:22 in the first quarter.

Bethel Park’s second drive started at their own 40 and after one play they were already in Moon territory. After that the drive stalled especially after a sack on third down. Moon’s defense was the other story of the game and they were able to stop Bethel Park for the large majority of the game. Moon was able to hold Bethel Park to 64 yards total offense. “We knew they were going to come in and try to line up and try to be physical with us, I don’t think they’ve played in a game yet against a team with our physicality” said Coach Linn.

Moon’s next drive started at their own 5 yard line but that really didn’t stop them as they marched down the field with ease using their run game. This drive was certainly a long drive and it lasted 14 plays it took about 10 to get out past midfield. However the drive didn’t end on a touchdown but they did get 3 points on a 34 yard field goal by Jacob Weiland which made the score 9-0 with 3:50 left before halftime. That would also be the score at halftime.

Bethel Park got the ball to start the third quarter but unfortunately that didn’t happen because of a fumble on the opening kick. Moon got the ball at the Bethel Park 37 yard line. Again Moon made it look easy and marched down the field and eventually the drive was capped off with a 5 yard touchdown run by Joe Cotton. “We have a very senior laden offensive line that relishes on running the football, they love it, they thrive off it and being able to move guys against their will, and we have a stable of backs that make us look pretty good” said Coach Linn.

Bethel Park got the ball again and they weren’t able to move the ball at all. A key to this game was Moon’s defense being able to control Bethel Park’s main running back Troy Volpatti they held to under 50 yards running. “We did a nice job of limiting any cutbacks and limiting him from getting anything on the edge, our guys did a great job of playing sound fundamental football” said Coach Linn.

Later in the quarter Bethel Park had their most successful drive of the game and after a couple of big passes they were inside Moon’s 40 yard line. A couple of plays later the drive went bad on a strip sack by Ben Bladel. He played a key role in the game, he had 64 yards rushing on 5 carries plus that turnover. “Hands down he’s been one of our best players on both sides of the ball” said Coach Linn.

After that Moon ran away with the game adding 2 more touchdowns in the final quarter. The first score was a 4 yard run by Jeremiah Dean. The second one was a 7 yard run by Ian Foster. Moon had 4 rushing touchdowns and all 4 were by a different player. “I think it’s a huge thing our kids are just so fresh at the end of the game, we have a lot of guys that play both ways, but being able to rotate 4 guys, having kids to step up is huge” said Coach Linn. The final score ended up being 30-0 Moon.

The win improves Moon to 9-0 on the season and next week they look to finish off the regular season unbeaten when they travel to West Allegheny. Bethel Park finishes off their regular season at home against Upper St. Clair.

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