Penn-Trafford proves number 1 ranking with crushing of Hampton

Tagged under: District 7, Gameday Hub, News

PFN Staff | October 19, 2019

Hampton and Penn-Trafford players shaking hands during the pregame coin toss. (Picture credit to Rush Pedder)

Written by: John Robbins 

Penn-Trafford traveled to Hampton to prove the Warriors number one ranking in 5A. They did just that as the Warriors rolled to a 56-7 victory over the Talbots. The scoring started when junior Brad Ford raced into the endzone for a 35 yard touchdown run to put the Warriors up 7-0. On the next Penn-Trafford possession, senior quarterback Gabe Dunlap would use a screen pass to get the ball to Chase Vecchio who would then take it 61 yards into the endzone making the score 14-0. On Hampton’s ensuing drive, Warriors’ junior Nate Frye would pick off a pass on 3rd and 3 and return it into the endzone to extend the Warriors’ lead to 21-0. The Warriors’ defense would step again and hold the Talbots again. On fourth down, sophomore Cade Yacamelli would return a punt 45 yards to add to Penn-Trafford’s lead. In the final 3:45 of the first quarter, Penn-Trafford ran 0 offensive plays but scored 14 points and finished the quarter up 28-0.

In the second quarter, Dunlap would throw another screen pass to junior Ethan Carr who would race 35 yards into the endzone to put Penn-Trafford up 35-0. The final score of the half would be by the Talbots. Hampton changed up their offense and moved senior Luke Lindgren to the quarterback position. Lindgren drove the Talbots offense 80 yards with two 3rd down conversions and two 4th down conversions ending in a touchdown from Lindgren. The half would end when the Talbots’ junior defensive back Christian Liberto picked off a pass sending Hampton into the locker room down 35-7.

At the end of the third quarter, Ethan Carr would score his second touchdown of the night when he took the snap from the quarterback position to put Penn-Trafford up 42-7. The fourth quarter would be more of the same from Penn-Trafford’s offense. Sophomore Carter Green would step in as quarterback as head coach John Ruan pulled his starters. Green would drive the Warriors down the field to extend the Warriors’ lead to 49-7. The final touchdown of the game would come on a punt return by junior Chris Popovich to make the final score 56-7. Penn-Trafford plays at Franklin Regional at 7 next Friday. If the Warriors win they clinch the outright 5A Big East conference title. Hampton plays Mars at home at 7 next week.

Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews