The Wyoming Area Warriors Freshman Football Team suffered a disappointing loss, by the score of 22 – 30, to the Crestwood Comets in Mountaintop on Saturday morning; bringing their overall record to three wins and four losses (3W – 4L).  The game was played during a troublesome snow squall and the precipitation, as well as chilly temperatures, seemed to have played a part in the Warrior loss.  It seemed nearly impossible to revive the Warriors aggressive first half effort, after their eight (8) minute halftime break needed to be taken on the bus to escape the elements.

The Warriors won the opening coin-toss and deferred, electing to receive the ball in the second-half.  On their first possession, Crestwood went to work on the ground.  It seemed that the Comets had the Warriors flat-footed, as they chewed up the turf on the outside edges heading for a score.  Once the Comets reached the red-zone, a Warrior time-out allowed Coach Eric Speece to make critical needed adjustments to their outside-contain defense.  Undaunted, the Comets hit the end-zone for a score with 6:40 left in the first quarter.  The score was Crestwood – 8 and Wyoming Area – 0.  On the ensuing kickoff, Crestwood allowed the special teams to make their statement.  RB Cody Schmitz retrieving the kick, and off of great lead-blocks, was able to smash up the left sideline; good for a Warrior 62 yard touchdown.  The point after try failed, leaving the score Crestwood – 8 and Wyoming Area – 6.  Afterward, the snow squall intensified.  Under heavy wet snowflakes, neither offense was able to advance the ball for a first down; resulting in two (2) “three and outs.”  After Crestwood’s second consecutive punt, the Warriors assumed their third offensive possession at the 50 yard line.  On first down, RB Cody Schmitz scrambled through the Comet defense for a 50 yard touchdown run and a Warrior score.  The 2-point conversion try was converted by Schmitz; blasting in from the three (3) yard line off of the left guard/center gap.  The resulting score was Wyoming Area – 14 and Crestwood – 6.  After taking over on the kickoff return at their 36 yard line, the Comets began moving the ball effectively.  Trying to even the score before the half, the Crestwood QB #16 was intercepted at the Warrior 31 yard line.  DB Kyle Davis went vertical, snatching the ball in front of the Comet receiver.  Taking over, with the lead on their fourth offensive possession, the Warriors tried to add to their edge.  After a clock discrepancy, challenged by the Crestwood coach with :30 seconds remaining prior to the half, eight (8) seconds were placed back onto the game clock on 4th and 5.  Disgruntled by a clock management issue prior to the half, the Warriors charged ahead on 4th down for an 8 yard gain.  Two (2) in-bound rushes by the Warriors expired the half, and Wyoming Area headed to the bus with a six (6) point advantage.  The halftime score was Wyoming Area – 14 and Crestwood – 6.

Wyoming Area received the ball in the second half.  Taking over at their 35 yard line, the Warriors could not muster much on their first set of downs.  The consequence was a “three and out.”  After the punt the Comets took over on their 43 yard line.  On 2nd down, the Comet’s RB #6 managed to slip through the Warrior defense for a 53 yard touchdown run.  The point-after try was converted, when Crestwood’s big #77, mauled his way into the end-zone from the 3 yard line.  The resulting score was Wyoming Area – 14 and Crestwood – 16.  The ensuing on-side kickoff try was denied by the Warriors, and they took possession of the ball on the Crestwood 43 yard line.  The Warriors responded on first down.  RB Cody Schmitz, through a hole opened by determined WA linemen, rallied past the Comet defense for a 43 yard touchdown run; off the right side.  The point-after try was converted as QB Jordan Zezza found RB Zak LaNunziata in the end-zone, resulting in a WA – 22 and Crestwood – 16 score.  Crestwood took possession on their 35 yard line, and seemed unfazed about losing the lead.  The ball was moved to the Wyoming Area 25 yard line in two (2) plays.  Crestwood’s QB #16 was able to strike two different receivers in the continuing 40 yard drive.  On the third play of the drive, Wyoming Area was able to get pocket pressure on the QB.  Forcing the quarterback from the pocket, he was able to scramble through the Warrior secondary into the end-zone and a 25 yard touchdown score.  The 2-point conversion was denied for the Comets, when a mishandled snap was covered, leaving a 22 – 22 score; with 3:50 left in the third quarter.  The Warriors took offensive possession on their 30 yard line.  Wyoming Area started to move the ball, when an unfortunate fumble stalled their effort.  RB Schmitz was hit hard in the open field.  The ball came loose, and was recovered by the Comets on their 34 yard line.  At the end of the third quarter, the score remained 22 – 22.  Wyoming Area’s defense stepped up.  On first down, DE Jeff Skursky drove into the Crestwood backfield and manhandled the Crestwood quarterback.  The unassisted sack by Skursky was good for an eight (8) yard loss, and placed the Comets into a 2nd and 18.  Wanting to get in on the action on the next play, DL Jared Saporito and DE Skursky charged the Comet quarterback and issued another combined sack for an eight (8) yard loss.  Placed into a 3rd and 26 passing situation, a third down pass try fell incomplete.  After the punt, the Warriors took over at their 30 yard line.  Backed into a 4th and 11 yards to go deep in their zone, Wyoming Area needed to punt the ball.  The long-snap never made it to its’ intended target.  Punter Kyle Davis had he presence of mind to try to salvage the punt, but it was consequently blocked.  The Comets took over at the Wyoming Area 21 yard line.  On 3rd and 8, the Crestwood quarterback found his mark.  He was able to strike a Crestwood wide-receiver in the end-zone for a score.  Big #77 stepped into the backfield and converted the 2-point conversion, up the middle, in similar fashion as the first.  The score now is Wyoming Area – 22 and Crestwood – 30.  With a chance to secure a victory, the Warriors took possession of the ball at their 30 yard line.  On first down, the WA quarterback was trying to complete a roll-out when the wet ball slipped from his hands.  The ball was covered by the Comets, with seconds to go in the game.  The horn sounded a short time later, and the posted final score was Wyoming Area – 22 and Crestwood – 30.

This game was a heartbreaker.  Our boys played their hearts out under horrible weather conditions.  The players and coaching staff did an excellent job in trying to secure a Warrior Victory.  Come and join us at Anthony “Jake” Sobeski Stadium, on Saturday October 24th at 9:30 a.m., and help cheer our boys to a Warrior Victory against the Hanover Hawkeyes.