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Quinton Martin Shows Out in 41-20 Laurel Highlands Win in Star Studded Clash

Tagged under: District 7, News, Podcasts

| September 3, 2022

By Nick Haushalter

The top-ranked Belle Vernon Leopards hosted the Laurel Highlands Mustangs Friday in a premier matchup featuring two of the best recruits in PA: The Leopards’ RB Quinton Martin (5 star junior) and the Mustangs’ QB Rodney Gallagher (4 star senior). Belle Vernon won by a comfortable score of 40-21. Martin led the way with 3 rushing TDs, while the Leopard’s deep talent continued to put the game out of reach for the Mustangs.

The Leopards led 14-0 at the end of the first quarter after 2 rushing TDs by Martin. Laurel Highlands had their first chance to score early in the 2nd half, but were pushed back 4 times at the goal line by the powerful Leopards defense. They also failed to take advantage of a fumble recovery, stalling on the following drive.

As the half drew to a close Belle Vernon drove down the field and missed a 30 yard field goal wide right– but on the next play they stole the ball back with an interception, capping the ensuing with an 8 yard rushing TD by Martin. The teams left the field with Belle Vernon leading 21-0 over Laurel Highlands.
Laurel Highlands didn’t score their first points until late in the 3rd, already trailing 28-0 following a short rushing TD by Belle Vernon’s Moody. Gallagher connected with Deshields for a deep pass followed by a short TD to the same receiver.

This duo would connect twice more for TDs, both in the 4th quarter, but by then it was too late. The Mustang defense could not contain the Leopards. Belle Vernon QB Laux scored two TD on the ground to keep the Leopards comfortably ahead.

The game was sealed when Gallagher’s pass was intercepted with one minute left– Belle Vernon took a knee and ran off the field with a 21 point victory.
Belle Vernon looked impressive on both sides of the line. They were able to run the ball well from both the QB and RB position, even in the 2nd half when Martin played few snaps. Rodney Gallagher and Keondre Deshields put on a great show with their 3 passing/receiving TDs, but Laurel Highlands as a whole did not have the depth to compete with the Leopards.

Even after Belle Vernon’s win Quinton Martin had a lot of positive things to say about Gallagher. “It was definitely exciting going into this game, you know, it’s
Rodney. Rodney is one of my boys… we have always been close, ever since my 9th grade season…”

Though they won’t play against each other again in high school, each has a bright future this season as they look to lead their squads to wins next week. Belle Vernon faces what will likely be a tougher game against McKeesport, while Laurel Highlands will be looking for their 2nd victory of the season against Kiski Area.

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