Neshannock’s defense silences Rochester, 21-0
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Garrett Dollin | September 14, 2024
NESHANNOCK, PA – They say defense wins games, and Neshannock proved that Friday night.
Rochester, plagued by injuries and a thin roster, has struggled mightily this season. Through their three games, the Rams offense has put up just 6 total points, compared to 132 from Neshannock. Following a nail-biting loss to Ellwood City in the rain last week, the Lancers were looking to bounce back against a Rams team still searching for their first win.
Midway through the first quarter, a fumbled exchange by Rochester would allow Neshannock’s Tony Perrotta to take it 32 yards, setting up the Lancers offense in the red zone. A few plays later, quarterback Jino Mozzocio found tight end Ashton Allison wide open in the end zone for the first score of the game. Rochester’s offense would respond with a 15-play, 68-yard drive down to Neshannock’s 5-yard line. However, the Rams would be stopped on 4th and goal, giving the ball back to the Lancers.
A three-and-out to start the second half would force Rochester to punt the ball from their own end zone. Hayden Tatterson would get a piece of the ball, resulting in the punt going just 30 yards. Two plays later, Ashton Allison would take a handoff 23 yards to the endzone, making it a 14-0 game. Rochester would respond with another promising drive into Lancers territory. However, an interception by Braden Montgomery on the 25-yard line would put a stop to any momentum the Rams offense was building.
A 61-yard strike from Mozzocio to Allison would set the Lancers offense up on the Rams 5-yard line. Allison would again punch the ball in for his third score of the game, putting the Lancers up 21-0. Later, the Rams were looking to finally reach the end zone, threatening deep in Neshannock territory. However, the Lancers defense would again keep the Rams off the board thanks to a turnover on downs. Jino Mozzocio would seal the game for Neshannock after taking a pair of knees.
Scoring Summary:
1Q – 6:34: Mozzocio 9-Yard TD Pass to Allison. Extra point.
7-0 Neshannock
Q3 – 8:49: Allison 23-Yard TD Run. Extra point.
14-0 Neshannock
Q3 – 0:53: Allison 5-Yard TD Run. Extra point.
21-0 Neshannock
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