The Blue Devil football team looked to get back on track last Friday at home against Bishop Guilfoyle after loosing its last two games.
But some of the same issues emerged in a 21-14 loss to the Marauders (6-1) on Homecoming.
Bellwood again struggled to stop the run as they allowed BG senior Jake Kisselll to run for 201 yards and a touchdown late in the fourth quarter that proved to be the game-winner.
“The last two weeks we have struggled stopping the run, and that is going to take a full team effort to get better at that part of our game,” said Coach Nick Lovrich. “The focus we need to do that is making sure we use the proper technique when tackling and not just using out arms.”
With the win, Bishop Guilfoyle advanced it’s record to 6-1 on the season. The loss dropped the Devils’ record to 3-4, just under .500.
The Marauders found the endzone early when Kissell connected with Connor Okonak on a 12-yard passing touchdown to put them up 7-0 with 4:35 left in the first quarter.
The second quarter was quiet from both teams, and the Blue Devil’s defense looked to be firing on all cylinders. That was until only 28 seconds remained in the half when Kissel connected with Tyson Lestochi for a 19-yard touchdown pass.
With that score the Marauders went into the half up 14-0.
Something flipped for the Blue Devils at halftime because they came out strong in the 3rd quarter. B-A got into the endzone first with a 2-yard rushing touchdown from junior Alex McCartney to cut the deficit in half.
“Scoring that touchdown felt like we gained momentum back, and the energy was high again,” McCartney said.
Bellwood’s defense heated up to get the ball back early after the touchdown. Then, with only 39 seconds left in the 3rd quarter, McCartney punched in another 4-yard rushing touchdown.
The energy on B-A’s sidelines was high with the game tied 14-14 going into the 4th quarter.
There, defense was the story for both teams.
With 2:17 seconds left in the game Kissel ran it in on a 4-yard touchdown to make the score 21-7.
The Blue Devils fought hard to tie the game back up but wultimately stopped in their tracks.
Next week the Blue Devils will travel to Chestnut Ridge to take on the also 3-4 lions. This is a huge matchup for both teams, because whoever wins will be back up to .500. B-A is also trying to protect a spot in the District 6 2A playoffs. They are currently ranked No. 7 and the bracket takes 8.
“If we want to get back on track next week, we have to have a good week of practice, and continue to work hard,” junior Ethan Shawley said.
Coach Lovrich feels his team holds the key for rectifying their problems squarely in its own hands.
“We played them pretty tough and they made some plays there at the end of the game that made the difference,” he said. “We need to make sure we keep that full focus on the little things, so we do not hurt ourselves.”
