By: Kyle Moylan
The goals may keep changing, but the Allentown football team still has something to play for when it takes the field at Hightstown High Friday night.
"We still have the opportunity to get the fourth win, which hasn’t happened in a long time," Allentown coach Greg LaCava noted. "That hasn’t happened in over 20 years."
Allentown won on Oct. 21, improving to a 3-4 on the season. At this point the team still had a chance to finish with a winning record by sweeping its final three games.
Following a bye week, Allentown was defeated by Lawrence on Nov. 4. This still left Allentown with a chance to finish with its first .500 season since 1968 if it could defeat both Watchung Hills and Hightstown.
Following a 20-7 loss to Watching Hills this past Saturday, Allentown will try and get that elusive fourth win Friday night at Hightstown.
"The fact of the matter is we won the games we were supposed to and lost to the teams we were supposed to lose to," LaCava said. "This Watchung Hills team, despite their record, is a very good team."
Allentown and Watchung Hills both entered action this past Saturday with 3-5 marks. And considering how evenly played this game was throughout, the state did a great job of matching teams up in this playoff consolation contest.
After trailing 12-0 early in the contest, Allentown had the ball in Watchung Hills territory in the fourth quarter with a chance to take the lead.
"Our defense did a great job," LaCava said. "They gave us a chance to win the game."
The biggest defensive stand came after Watchung Hills had driven deep into Allentown territory in the fourth quarter. Watchung Hills had a first down at the Allentown 32, but was pushed back four yards over the next three plays. On fourth down a fumbled punt by Watchung Hills gave Allentown the ball just 48 yards away from a possible game-winning score.
On first down, Rob Harden picked up four yards. On second down a blitzing Watchung Hills linebacker caused Allentown quarterback Matt Mordas’ pass to go a bit off the mark. Craig Kearsing intercepted the ball and returned it 60 yards for a touchdown.
"I thought we had an opportunity to win the game at that point," LaCava said. "The turnover on the punt was a big momentum swing for us. We even had the match we wanted on that pass play. We just had a guy miss a block."
The interception return for a touchdown was the second one of the game for Watchung Hills. Argiris Hristofis scored the first touchdown of the game on a 14-yard return. Mordas’ pass was slapped down at the line of scrimmage and more or less just fell into Hristofis’ hands.
"Their first score, blocked into the defensive line, was like a birthday for him," LaCava noted.
Watchung Hills failed on the conversion run, though. Following a 20-yard touchdown run by Dan Lizzi, Watchung Hills also missed on a two-point conversion.
Seeing as Allentown was held to just two first downs in the first half, it appeared like that lead might be more than enough. Fortunately, the Allentown defense came up with numerous big plays. Lizzi finished with 119 yards on 27 carries, but the other three Watchung Hills runners were minus for the day. Just about every other yard of offense for Watchung Hills was picked up on two long pass receptions by Sean Galbally.
"I want to commend the defense," LaCava said. "They played a great game."
The Allentown defense forced Watchung Hills to punt on both of its possessions in the third quarter. By the time the second punt was made, however, the wind was playing in Allentown’s favor. A punt of just 18 yards gave Allentown the ball at the Watchung Hills 43.
Allentown took over with 3:51 to play. Using short passes and a ground attack, Allentown’s drive carried over into the four quarter. Allentown picked up with the ball on the 2-yard line. On fourth down from the one, Harden scored. Mike Zdunek then added the extra point, cutting the deficit to 12-7.
Allentown then got the defensive stand and break on fumbled punt it needed.
"The game was in doubt into the fourth quarter," Watchung Hills coach Barry Kostibos said. "They had us on the ropes. We needed the defense to step up and make a play. They did that."
As a result, Allentown’s goals for this Friday night have been lowered. A .500 season would have been great. A four-win season would still be a little piece of history at Allentown, though.
"The wind was taken out or our sails last week (the loss to Lawrence), but we still have a lot to play for," LaCava said.
"We’re going to be playing a tough Hightstown team. We have to be on the top of our game to beat them."
As tough as Hightstown may be and Watchung Hills was, however, they weren’t the most difficult opponent on Allentown’s slate. That honor goes to history. Regardless what happens Friday, Allentown will continue to battle that foe next season. Allentown already is a winner against that opponent this season. This team was compettive.
