The game began well for the Warriors. They were able to thwart Coughlin's run-oriented offense on their first drive. The Warriors on their first posession, drove down the field, led by the running of Leo Malsky who had a great first half. The Warriors scored on a 4 yard run by Malsky--the extra point conversion by Katie Scalzo made it 7-0 at 4:48 in the first quarter. The Warriors found themselves pinned in their own territory for the remainder of the first half. Coughlin mounted two drives that died inside the Warriors 10 yard line. However, with poor field position, the Warriors passing game was put on hold. After the first drive of the game, the Warriors had a difficult time running the ball. But the good news was that for the first time this year--the defense was swarming all over the Coughlin running game. Tackles were being made in the backfield.

So Wyoming Area looked confident going into the locker room. But the third quarter problems that have plagued the Warriors in their last 4 losses, came into play this evening. Late in the third quarter, Coughlin punted the ball. It hit a Wyoming Area player and Coughlin recovered at the WA 23 yard line. Coughlin's Joe Parsnick soon followed with a 18 yard TD run that tied the score 7-7. On the ensuing kickoff--a play we have seen too many times this year. Coughlin punted the ball high and short. A Coughlin player recovered the ball on the Warriors 32. Coughlin could only drive the ball to the 19 before they turned if over on downs. However, on the Warriors first play from the 19, they fumbled and turned the ball back over tho Coughlin. Two plays later, the Parsnick galloped 20 yards for a score. This put the Crusaders up by a score of 13-7.

The Warriors were unable to mount a serious scoring threat for the remainder of the game. Twelve penalties for 100 yards didn't help the cause. In the waning moments of the game, Chris Murphy who was backed up in his own end zone, threw a backwards pass to Nick O'Brien. O'Brien was unable to handle the pass and it rolled out of the end zone for a safety--making the final score 15-7.

Give credit to Coughlin for playing a tough defensive game. Their ability to capitalize on Warrior turnovers and penalties was the difference in the game. The Crusaders were also able to complete 4 passes at critical times.