COUDERSPORT TAKES CONTROL OF AML NORTH WITH WIN OVER PORT ALLEGANY

The Falcons (4-0 overall, 4-0 AML North) are the lone unbeaten team in the AML North and control their own destiny in both the AML North race and the District 9 Class A playoff race. Meanwhile, Port Allegany (3-1, 3-1) is still very much in the hunt for the District 9 Class A playoffs but now are going to need Coudersport to lose twice in the next three weeks while running the table to have a shot at the AML North title. The Gators are currently tied with Otto-Eldred for second place.

Coudersport’s 4-0 start is its first since 1983, which was the last time the Falcons went through the season unbeaten (9-0).

Turnovers played a huge role in the game, as Port Allegany gave the ball away seven times including four lost fumbles and three interceptions.

Not only did the Coudersport defense create six of those turnovers, it also held the high flying Gator offense to just 187 yards of offense on the day. Port Allegany had been averaging 368.7 yards per game on offense, the second best total in District 9. Coudersport also held the Gators to 113 yards rushing on 38 carries, an average of just three yards per carry. Coming into the game, Port Allegany had the second best rushing attack in District 9 averaging 276.3 yards per game and 5.1 yards per carry. But Coudersport shutdown the district’s leading rusher Claude Haskins limiting him to 67yards on 21 carries and a touchdown. Haskins also lost a fumble.

The game actually started off well for Port Allegany, as Haskins threw a halfback option pass 66 yards to Jeremy Niece for the game’s first touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

The game remained 7-0 until early in the second quarter when Ross Simcoe scored on a 16-yard run tying the game.

Port Allegany took the seven-point halftime lead on a 6-yard run.

In the second half, Coudersport used a Port Allegany fumble to tie the game. The fumble, which was recovered by Chris Ruter, put the Falcons at the Port Allegany 25. It took seven plays for Coudersport to score, and they reached pay dirt on a 2-yard pass from Scott Easton to Mike Kehr.

Another Port Allegany turnover set up the game-winning touchdown.

After Todd Brown intercepted a Gator pass Simcoe scored the winning points on a 2-yard run. The big play of the drive was a 31-yard halfback option pass from Jeremiah Wagner to Jeremiah Sasala.
Then, six plays after Todd Brown intercepted a Port A pass, Simcoe closed out the scoring with a two-yard run.
On Coudersport’s game-winning drive, the Falcons attempted an option pass with Jeremiah Wagner hitting Mike Kehr for a 35-yard completion. That came just one play after it appeared the Falcons had completed the same play for 31 yards to Jeremiah Sasala only to have the gain called back by an illegal procedure.

Simcoe carried 17 times for 43 yards for Coudersport, while Brad Austin added 12 carries for 52 yards.

Jeremy Tanner added seven carries for 38 yards for Port Allegany.