Aliquippa routs Freeport behind passing game

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, September 15, 2017 | 9:39 PM

Aliquippa's vaunted defense and running game were there as usual Friday night, but the Quips added another element to the mix: the pass.

Freeport felt the brunt of all three phases and quickly saw why Aliquippa is the top-ranked Class 3A team in the state.

The Quips, who also are ranked No. 1 in the Tribune-Review rankings, scored four touchdowns in the first quarter and didn't look back on their way to a 50-0 nonconference victory at Carl A. Aschman Memorial Stadium.

Quips quarterbacks Eli Kosanovich and William Gipson combined for 133 yards passing and three touchdowns in the first half.

“That's how they started the game last year, so we knew the possibility was there for them to pass,” Freeport coach John Gaillot said. “They're just a very talented group of athletes, and they are ranked No. 1 in the state for a reason.”

On the opening drive, Kosanovich found MJ Devonshire Jr., who ran down the sideline and into the end zone from 32 yards to open the scoring.

Later in the first, Gipson hit a wide-open Xavier Harvey in the end zone for a 29-yard touchdown that made it 24-0. Kosanovich then capped the quarter by throwing a perfect pass down the sideline to Deoveon Crute, who made a one-handed catch and scampered 65 yards for a score to make it 32-0 Quips.

“We have to get (the passing game) going if we want to go anywhere,” Aliquippa coach Mike Zmijanac said. “Sometimes we are a litte a bit conservative because we have been playing such great defense and we run the ball well. We need to (pass), and tonight we showed we can do it. Now we have to do it a bit more.”

Aliquippa, which has not allowed an offensive touchdown all season, clogged up Freeport's offense with regularity and sacked quarterback Austin Romanchak three times in the Yellowjackets first two possessions. The Quips (4-0) outgained Freeport (2-1), 345-13, in the first half.

Romanchak exited the game in the first quarter and did not return. The majority of both teams' starters were out of the game by the third quarter.

“Our mantra here is to play defense and take care of the ball,” Zmijanac said. “Everything after that usually goes good for you.”

Harvey had 102 yards rushing and a touchdown for Aliquippa. Avante McKenzie had 74 yards on 10 carries. Devonshire returned a punt 71 yards for a score on the first play of the second quarter and added another touchdown on a 12-yard run before halftime.

Freeport returns to Allegheny Conference play next week when it hosts Shady Side Academy.

“Our kids will continue to fight, and we got out of here without any major injuries, so I'm happy with that,” Gaillot said. “Our playoff season starts next week. We have to win games in our conference.”

Jerin Steele is a freelance writer.

Tags: Aliquippa, Freeport