COUDERSPORT-- Coach Paul Simcoe's Coudersport Falcons are starting to look like the preseason favorites that many observers considered them.

Zach Hershey scored three touchdowns to lead Coudy to a 39-0 romp over Port Allegany Friday night at CARP Field. Coming off a big win at Curwensville the week before, the Falcons (3-1) are clicking on all cylinders as they head into next Friday night's clash with their frequent nemesis, the Smethport Hubbers.

Coudersport scored in the opening minutes against Port Allegany and seemed to operate in cruise control for the rest of the game. That initial drive began with a 45-yard pass from Ben Cary to Zach Pucci and ended seven plays later on a five-yard TD toss from Cary to Hershey.

Two possessions later, Jarrett Levavasseur's 30-yard punt return put Coudy in business at the Port Allegany 33. Hershey got the call on four of the next five plays, darting over right tackle for the touchdown from two yards out.

Moments later, the Falcon defense returned the ball to Cary's hands, and the big southpaw fired a strike over the middle to Levavassuer, who took off an a 61-yard touchdown jaunt. Coudersport was on top 18-0 and rout was on.

It could have been worse for the Gators. Falcon Paul Strayer recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff deep in Port Allegany territory, but a 24-yard field goal attempt failed. To their credit, the Gators also stopped Coudy on its next possession, but failed to move the ball themselves.

Disaster struck for the visitors when punter Dave Darush bobbled a snap and his desperation kick was blocked, giving the Falcons possession in the shadow of the Gator goalpost. Junior fullback Ross Simcoe celebrated his 17th birthday in style, carrying the ball through a gaping hole for five yards and a TD.

The second half was more of the same. Coudy's defense stuffed the Gators and the offense drove half the length of the field, capped by Hershey's four-yard touchdown run. Caleb Morris booted the PAT and it was 31-0.

The Gators made their deepest penetration of the game in a drive that carried into the opening minutes of the fourth quarter. Claude Haskins broke away for runs of 17 and 10 yards, but the drive ended on an interception at the Falcon 25.

With each team sending out substitutes in the closing minutes, Coudersport's Chris Hann broke loose and galloped 45 yards for a touchdown. John Gerhart passed to Steve Minor for the two-point conversion.

Score by quarters

Coudersport 6 18 7 8 = 39

Port A. 0 0 0 0 = 0

Statistics

Rushing: Coudersport 13, Port A. 7; Rushing: Coudersport 32-168, Port A. 34-87; Passing: Coudersport 17-7-0-155, Port A. 19-6-1-36; Total Yardage: Coudersport 323, Port A. 123; Penalties: Coudersport 5-55, Port A. 5-45; Fumbles Lost: Coudersport 0, Port A. 1