PORT ALLEGANY TRAVELS TO SMETHPORT WITH EARLY AML NORTH LEAD ON THE LINE

Port Allegany (2-0 overall, 2-0 AML North) at Smethport (2-0, 2-0)

Week Three - 7 p.m. Friday Sept. 12

SMETHPORT – Two undefeated tradition powers meet in an early AML North game when Port Allegany (2-0 overall, 2-0 AML North) goes into Smethport to take on a revitalized Hubbers squad under first-year head coach Brandon Falk.

The Gators, who have won seven in a row dating back to last season, have two convincing wins under their belt with an 18-14 win over defending AML champion Kane in Week One and a 41-12 whitewashing of Cameron County last week.

Smethport, meanwhile, has been in two very tight games beating Elk County Catholic 19-14 in Week One and Youngsville 15-14 in Week Two. But the two early wins have helped Smethport put last season’s disastrous 3-6 mark in the rearview mirror. Last season was the first time since 1980 the Hubbers had failed to have more wins than loses.

Port Allegany enters the game with a the top running game in the AML North and the seventh best rushing attack in District 9 having gained 420 yards on 97 carries for a 4.3 yards per carry average. Claude Haskins leads the Gators attack with 251 yards and four touchdowns. He ranks third in District 9 in rushing.

The Gators, whose overall offense ranks tied for fifth in District 9 with 646 yards, have passed for 226 yards on the season. Port Allegany has used a two-quarterback system of Willie Bova and Craig Flint through the first two games with Bova going 5-for-10 for 107 yards and one touchdowns and Flint going 6-for-18 for 89 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Haskins is the leading receiver with five catches for 103 yards and a touchdown. He ranks eighth in District 9 in receiving.

Port Allegany’s defense is also strong having allowed 26 points in two weeks. Haskins leads the charge having recorded 21 tackles in two weeks.

Smethport, meanwhile, has done it more with its defense than offense. The Hubbers have allowed just 28 points in two weeks. Bryant Tronetti had a monster week on defense for Smethport last week making 10 tackles, two of them for losses, while forcing two fumbles. He forced what Falk called the game-sealing fumble late in the game.

The Hubbers offense has done just enough to win. Smethport is ranked 24^th of the 29 teams in District 9 leagues in offense having gained 284 yards in two weeks. Most of that has been on the ground where Smethport has run up 216 yards and scored two touchdowns.

Last year’s quarterback turned tailback Mike Mitchell is the top ground gainer having amassed 136 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries. Zach Parkes has added 18 carries for 70 yards.

The Hubbers passing game is controlled by quarterback Matt Switzer, who is 12-for-29 passing for 68 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions.

Switzer has spread the ball around with five different Smethport players catching the 12 passes. Tyler Covert leads the way with four grabs for 25 yards and two scores. Matt Clark has two catches for 19 yards, Brandon Funk two for 16 yards and Rob Hargett two for eight yards and a score.

Last season Port Allegany beat Smethport 29-24. It was only the second time since 1988 that the Gators had beaten the Hubbers (34-22) in 2000. Flint was 10-for-18 passing for 179 yards in the game, as Port Allegany outgained Smethport 350 yards to 199. Both last year’s win and the 2000 win were at Port Allegany meaning the Hubbers have not lost at home to the Gators in at least 15 seasons.