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Williamsport defense only allows 10 points

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Scranton’s Anthony Robinson (7) is mobbed by Williamsport’s Alan White (26) and Joshua Cohen (25) in the first quarter on Friday at Williamsport.

The last few years, and even longer, Williamsport has been known for its offense that can put up 50 points on anyone. For years, the Millionaires have had a dynamic quarterback with weapons on the outside and in the backfield. But last night, an offense that was averaging 38.4 points per game and had topped 49 points or more this season three times, hit a bit of a snag. Blocks weren’t being held, passes were being dropped and a dynamic running game that had nearly 1,000 yards in five games struggled when all-state running back Treyson Potts left early.

It was a time for a struggling defense to step up when the offense wasn’t all systems go. It was time for them to show they can be counted on when need be. They were needed and they sure showed up just in time.

Holding a 3-point lead entering the fourth quarter, the Williamsport defense forced two turnovers, two 3-and-outs and blocked a punt as it pulled away late for a 27-10 win over Scranton on Friday evening at STA Stadium.

Joe Fagnano (170 yards passing, 74 yards rushing, three total touchdowns) and Marcus Simmons (121 receiving yards, touchdown) put up their usual all-state worthy numbers, but it was plays from defensive lineman Blaze McClements (two sacks, forced fumble, fumble recovery) and freshman safety Keith Freeman (interception, blocked punt) that paved the way for the Millionaires’ (4-2) third straight win.

“Williamsport loves to score points. They love offense so they neglected the defense thus far but we haven’t,” Williamsport coach Chuck Crews said. “Coach Thiel, Coach Sennett, Coach Hare and the rest of the defensive staff, they’ve done an outstanding job all season, but what you saw tonight is what we all wanted to see and we knew it was possible so we’re happy.”

“Our coach got in our head. We knew we had to step up no matter who is out,” linebacker Brock Moyer said. “We had to step up no matter what.”

After the Williamsport offense came away with no points in the red zone for the third time early in the fourth quarter, Scranton’s Jerrod Brown cutback and ran 85 yards on the very next play that looked to be the go-ahead touchdown, but a block in the back penalty negated the touchdown and brought the ball back to midfield. After that, though, the Williamsport defense didn’t give up another first down in the final 10 minutes. Scranton went three-and-out after the penalty and then Williamsport blocked a punt deep in Scranton territory. On a mishandled snap, Freeman came free and blocked the rushed kick. Williamsport took over and three plays later, McClements’ 1-yard touchdown run made it 20-10.

Scranton had a chance to cut into the lead on the next drive, but a diving interception by Freeman thwarted that opportunity. After the Williamsport offense went 3-and-out, Fagnano placed Scranton deep in its own territory with a perfectly placed punt. Three plays after that, a herd of Williamsport defenders crowded Brown (131 rushing yards) and forced a fumble that McClements recovered. The senior defensive lineman also had a strip sack late in the first quarter that led to Fagnano’s first rushing touchdown. His fumble recovery led to Fagnano’s second rushing touchdown and iced the game at 27-10 with 2:45 remaining.

“We had to. Players have to make plays. If you’re a part of the 11 on the field, we expect you to contribute,” Crews said. “Nobody is out here just to be out here. If you have equipment on, we expect you to play football.”

“It was real great for us. We had penetration and that killed for us,” Moyer added. “We all read our keys and came in hard.”

With Minnesota-bound Potts on the sideline, the offense was shorthanded.

McClements came in and performed admirably with 58 yards rushing and a touchdown. Having an all-state quarterback and one of the most productive receivers in school history doesn’t hurt, either. Fagnano ran around in the backfield all night while under duress, but was still able to find Simmons for big play after big play. The two hooked up early for a 35-yard touchdown on 3rd and long when Fagnano found Simmons on a short route and the agile receiver split two defenders like the point guard he is and ran untouched the final 30 yards for the early 7-0 lead. Fagnano also made big plays with his legs and picked up a 3rd and 11 midway through the fourth quarter when he threw two defenders off his back.

The senior duo hooked up on countless third-and-long situations and were able to eat some clock late when the Millionaires were clinging to a one-score lead.

“We needed them too. Joe is not all-state for no reason and Marcus should’ve been all-state and those two did what they needed to do,” Crew said. “The run game, o-line play was better so we’re pleased.”

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