Saturday, September 5, 2009

Windber's Cover rushes for 144 yards in victory


By PATRICK BUCHNOWSKI
The Tribune-Democrat



NEW PARIS — The Windber Ramblers defeated Chestnut Ridge Lions 21-14 Friday on the strength of their ground game and the single-wing offense at Dr. Giovacchini Stadium.

Jarid Cover led the Ramblers’ ground attack with 144 yards on 22 carries.

Windber opened the scoring when quarterback Erick Strapple tossed a 20-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Ulasky with a minute left in the first quarter. The extra point made it 7-0.

The Lions got their offense going scoring with 8:44 into the second quarter with Jude Donatelli scoring on a 13-yard run, but the extra point failed.

Donatelli ended the day with 96 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns.

Windber came back on the next series, with Cover scoring on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Strapple.

The teams went into the locker room with Windber leading 14-6.

Windber scored again with five minutes left in the third quarter on a 1-yard run by Strapple. The extra point made it 21-6.

The Lions fought back with Donatelli scoring on a 5-yard run with four minutes left in the game. The two point conversion made it 21-14.

Strapple went 4-for-8 with two touchdowns and an interception.

Lions quarterback Brad Hengst finished 6 of 11 for 83 yards.

Windber coach Phil DeMarco said his team overcame mistakes to eke out a win. He credited the Lions with shutting down the inside run.

“It wasn’t pretty, but we found a way to win,” he said. “You have to give Chestnut Ridge credit. They shut down the five and six hole. We had to run the perimeter.”

Lions coach Max Shoemaker said Windber is always a challenge.

“They’re single wing offense is very difficult to defend,” he said. “I think that was part of our game plan, to keep the ball away from their offense.”

Shoemaker said the team played hard but couldn’t move the ball consistently.

“We needed to be more consistent offensively,” he said “We just didn't do that.

“My hat’s off to Coach DeMarco and his squad.”

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