Ford City defeats Kittanning: 5 in a row

Maybe it was too much painting, or maybe something else, but Ford City took their game to another level last night to defeat Kittanning 33-12.

Kittanning came into this game on a role, and used a Bob Keys 80 yard TD run to take the lead. However Derek Bush ran back the ensuing kick-off to tie the game up. Kittanning again got the football and ran down to score. Thanks to another Bush TD, FC tied the score again. By that time Ford City made some adjustments and threw in all the playbook, using a shoot-gun for most of the drive. Ford City then a few minutes later went for it on 4th down to score the go ahead TD. Then in the second half Ford City made adjustments, shutting down the Kittanning running game, and they put up two more TDs for the win.

But we all know that story by now…here's a more in-deep look at what happen. 1st off it was mention on RSW; will Kittanning come out with a new look offense against FC, or would they stick with their normal game plan. Before the game Ford City expected Kittanning to run the ball, it seemed to me Kittanning had that same approach, and they wanted to see what their strong ground game could do. Kittanning had 164 yards on the ground 1st half you can’t complain about that if your Kittanning. In the second half Ford City made adjustments, as Ford City always does and they shut-down the Wildcat running game. First off in retrospect when a team has beat you four games in a row, you might have to pull out all the tricks, or in Kittanning’s case come up with some tricks going on the road, no matter how strong you feel you are coming in. Also what was going on with Keys, 126yards in the 1st and only 3 runs in the second….this is a tactic commonly used by the Kittanning basketball team…when someone is hot, don’t give him the ball. Ford City definitely played to win the game and that’s how the Sabers came away with win. Bottom-line here too, Ford City makes better adjustments than just about any team in the WPIAL, and they showcased that tonight.

Also another note from the game, The refs agreed before the game not to call anything, because they were obviously scared of the big crowd and didn’t want make a scene. I’m not saying they had an effect on the game…but no holding call in a high school football game….not possible. I also worried that officials can be so intimidated.

Key Stats
Kittanning:
McKelvey – 4 of 17 46
Shepard - 11 for 39
Keys - 10 for 122

Ford City
Hand – 5 for 11 112 2(tds)
Shaffer – 3 for 78 (2)
Bush – 16 for 97 (3)
Kriley - 12 for 89

What are your thoughts on the game?