CURWENSVILLE 28, COUDERSPORT 21

Sept. 12, 2008

COUDERSPORT –  Ben McGary's 5-yard touchdown run with 10:14 remaining capped a second-half Curwensville comeback that gave the Tide its first win over Coudersport since the 2004 AML Title Game.

“It feels really good," said Curwensville head coach Andy Evanko.  "I'm just so proud of the kids.”

The game seemed destined for overtime as Coudy (2-1 overall, 2-1 AML North) moved the ball deep into Curwensville territory with just over two minutes to go.  David Kalgren, however, intercepted a Brett Whitman pass with 2:06 remaining to secure the win.

“David's been playing like an All-American all year for us,” said Evanko.  “He’s just an exceptional athlete.”

Curwensville (3-0 overall, 3-0 AML South) trailed 21-20 after Whitman’s 4-yard touchdown run gave Coudersport late in the third quarter.

The Golden Tide were down 14-12 at the half, but got momentum to start the second when their defense forced a quick three-and-out and the offense took over at the Curwensville 40.

Five plays later, Curwensville scored when Kalgren fired up a pass that was tipped by a Coudersport defender right into the out-stretched arms of Jesse Hoover.  Hoover raced 49 yards untouched and a successful 2-point conversion gave the Tide a 20-14 lead midway through the third quarter.

Coudersport answered right back, as Zach Buckler's 23-yard scamper set up Whitman's 4-yard touchdown run, reclaiming the lead for the Falcons 21-20 late in the third.

The first half was back-and-forth with the team’s trading touchdowns in each quarter.

In the first, Kalgren found Andrew Starr on a 41-yard strike, his first of three touchdowns, to make it 6-0 Curwensville. Coudersport answered quickly with Eric Babcock finding Whitman on a 67-yard catch-and-run to put Coudy up 7-6.

In the second quarter, Tim Thomas scored from 9 yards out to put the Falcons up 14-6. 

The Tide quickly struck back right back on their next drive thanks in large part to an electrifying 45-yard run by Kalgren that was a part of a 90-yard that took just 1:41 and ended with Kalgren hitting Hoover with a 11-yard touchdown pass just before the half.  

Kalgren finished 8-for-14 passing for 150 yards and three touchdowns, while also running for 63 yards on seven carries and picking up three tackles and the interception on defense. Hoover had three grabs for 66 yards and a pair of score.

Greslick had a great game on the ground, carrying the ball 24 times for 130 yards.

Evanko was quick to praise the offensive line for the performance of Greslick and the rest of Tide running backs.

“Sometimes I don't think the offensive line gets enough credit,” he said. “Those guys have been exceptional all year along, and they stepped up when we had to have it tonight.”

Cory Bloom paced the Golden Tide defense with 14 tackles, while Sam Gardner had eight stops and an interception.

Whitman led the way offensively for the Falcons finishing 7-for-9 passing for 98 yards, while also carrying the ball 7 times for 45 yards and a score and catching the touchdown pass while grabbing two total catches for 82 yards.

Curwensville will host Cameron County next Friday, while Coudersport will travel to Ridgway.

CURWENSVILLE 28,  COUDERSPORT 21

Score By Quarters

Curwensville              6          6          8          8 — 28

Coudersport  7          7          7          0 — 21

Scoring Summary

First Quarter

CW - Andrew Starr 41 pass from David Kalgren (kick failed), 9:16

CO - Brett Whitman 67 pass from Eric Babcock (Cooper Bonczar kick), 7:36.

Second Quarter

CO - Tim Thomas 9 run (Cooper Bonczar kick), 5:14.

CW - Jesse Hoover 11 pass from David Kalgren (pass failed), 0:05.

Third Quarter

CW - Jesse Hoover 49 pass from David Kalgren (Jed Greslick run), 6:46.

CO - Brett Whitman 4 run (Cooper Bonczar kick), 4:25.

Fourth Quarter

CW - Ben McGary 5 run (Jesse Hoover pass from David Kalgren), 10:14.

            CW     CO

First Downs    19        12

Rushes-Yards  51-255 24-127

Passing Yards 149      176

Passes: Comp-Att-Int 8-13-1  10-13-1

Total Yardage 400      303

Punts-Average            2-16.0  2-38.5

Fumbles-lost    2-1       0-0

Penalties-Yards           4-25     6-45

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Rushing - Curwensville: Jed Greslick 24-130, Ben McGary 11-49, David Kalgren 7-63, Cory Bloom 5-12, Nick Opaliski 2-5, Team 2-(-4). Coudersport: Tim Thomas 10-25, Zack Buckler 5-35, Eric Babcock 2-22, Brett Whitman 7-45.

Passing - Curwensville: David Kalgren 8 of 14, 150 yds., 3 TDs, 1 Int. Coudersport: Eric Babcock 3 of 4, 78 yds., 1 TD, 0 Int.; Brett Whitman 7 of 9, 98 yds, 2 Int.

Receiving - Curwensville: Jesse Hoover 3-66, Andrew Starr 3-51, Ben McGary 2-33. Coudersport: Brett Whitman 2-82, Tim Thomas 4-32, Ty Carts 1-9, Nate Minor 3-53.

Interceptions - Curwensville: Sam Gardner, David Kalgren. Coudersport: Eric Babcock.