Tyrone’s junior varsity football team has been fighting an uphill battle all year. Freshman running back Brinton Mingle and linebacker Brandon Maceno started the year on the junior varsity level, but have been moved up to varsity to fill holes left by injuries. The jayvees are also without the services of four sophomores who are all varsity starters.
After edging out West Branch at home last week, the Golden Eagles traveled to Altoona to battle Bishop Guilfoyle Monday afternoon. The Marauders used a host of runners and a tough defense to prevail in the contest 14-0.
“We don’t have the personnel,” commented Coach Chuck Banas on his team’s depleted numbers.
Tyrone came out with a balanced attack on their opening drive, running the ball for 11 yards and throwing twice for 17. However, BG’s Matt Lonero was on the other side of a Shane Christine halfback pass, and took the ball 49 yards for the opening score of the game.
Tyrone was forced to go three and out on their next possession, but halted a Marauder drive when Josh Crabtree dove on a fumble. However, neither offense could get anything going, with the next three consecutive offensive possessions leading to three and outs.
Throughout the defensive battle, however, Bishop Guilfoyle was winning the game of field position. Tyrone had to punt from their own 15, and after a good return BG set up shop at their opponent’s 35 yard line. The short drive culminated with an Adam Trybus quarterback sneak, and the extra point kick was good, putting the Marauders ahead for good 14-0.
Despite some poor tackling throughout the game, the Golden Eagles showed brilliant effort when it counted. Guilfoyle’s first possession of the second half
started at midfield after another pretty return, and led the whole way down to Tyrone’s one yard line. On fourth and goal from the one, Jake Houck broke through the line of scrimmage and drug the ball carrier down in the backfield.
“We held them scoreless in the second half,” stated coach Banas after the game. “The kids are learning, and they’re trying, and they’re giving it their all, and I’m proud of that.”
Although their offense remained stagnant, the Golden Eagle defense shut down the Marauder offense, and Tyrone took over at their own twenty. After a few unsuccessful plays, it looked like Tyrone’s offense would get something moving after a 25 yard fingertip catch by Jeremy Myers. Scott Zimmerman came over from his free safety spot and made a diving interception of another Bill Schreckengost pass intended for Myers, however, and the momentum had swung in the Marauder’s favor again. Running backs Mike Bender and Andy Garofoli combined to move the ball 65 yards down to the Eagle ten, eating the clock up until it expired.
Guilfoyle’s dominance on the ground and on defense showed, as they out rushed the Golden Eagles 197 to 39. The Marauder’s sophomore back Mike Bender also had touchdown runs of 25 and 19 called back due to penalties.
Banas said of his team, “They’re going to get better. Win or lose, jayvees is for learning.”
Tyrone’s jayvee squad stays at home for its final two games of the season, playing Clearfield next week and closing out the season against Huntingdon on October 28th.
