Union/Allegheny-Clarion beats Otto-Eldred in one-sided season opener
For months, the Otto-Eldred Terrors had this matchup circled on their calendar, looking to avenge last year’s playoff loss against a strong side in the Union/Allegheny-Clarion Valley Falcon Knights.
However, the first game of the season revealed early season growing pains, as the Terrors fell 42-6 at home on Friday.
Terrors first-year head coach Eric Rees said that their first game was derailed by some key mistakes, but that he was confident their best play is yet to come.
“We put ourselves in some bad spots. They were more physical than we were,” Rees said. “They brought a little more to the party than we did. But I thought our kids, once we settled down and let the game come to us instead of us forcing things, we were able to do some things.”
Neither team got off to a strong start offensively, and both went scoreless on their first two drives. However, the Falcon Knights were able to get on the board with their special teams unit, as senior Logan Skibinski returned a blocked punt for a score to help his team go up 7-0.
Bolstered by a rushing attack led by senior Max Gallagher, the Falcon Knights scored three touchdowns in the rest of the half, taking a 28-0 lead into the break.
The Terrors struggled to take advantage of opportunities on offense, as quarterback Shane Magee frequently found himself under pressure, and the team failed to convert on multiple first down conversions.
The sole consolation moment in the game came out of nowhere, as Magee evaded pressure and outran everyone on the sideline, taking it himself for a late 81-yard touchdown.
However, the Falcon Knights remained in control throughout, cruising to a blowout victory to open their season.
Rees said that ultimately, he believes the Terrors can put themselves in position to play the Falcon Knights again, with more on the line.
“They’re a good football team,” Rees said. “I won’t be surprised to see them challenge for the D-9 title this year, but hopefully we can get back in the mix, fix some things, kick the ball in the right direction, and maybe see them again in the playoffs.”
The Terror will play next on Friday at Bradford at 7 p.m. The Falcon Knights will play next on Thursday at home against Redbank Valley at 7 p.m.
