ALTOONA —
After losing to Richland in Week 2, Bishop Guilfoyle bounced back in a big way in its 17-7 win over Cambria Heights Friday night at Mansion Park in Altoona.
Just six plays into the game, the Marauders found themselves in a 7-0 hole after Cambria Heights had cruised 82 yards, capping off the electric drive with a 45-yard touchdown pass from Nathan Bearer to Andrew Brawley.
“We were too worried about what their game plan was on their first drive,” said Marauders’ head coach Justin Wheeler. “We told our guys to just be aggressive, play fast and play hard. We did that from there on out.”
Bishop Guilfoyle indeed shut the door from there, controlling the line of scrimmage and seemingly getting better as the game went on. The Marauders allowed just 98 yards of offense after that first drive.
The Marauders held Cambria Heights’ three-headed running attack of Ben Myers, Donnie Contorchick and Tyler Crawford to a combined 102 rushing yards.
“We know they wanted to run the football,” Wheeler said. “Those three guys they have are the best three that we’ll see as a group.”
Bishop Guilfoyle’s defense took over the game in the second half, forcing three turnovers and allowing just two first downs.
It wasn’t pretty for the Marauders on offense, though. Bishop Guilfoyle had five first-half possessions, four ending as three-and-outs. Only four Bishop Guilfoyle drives lasted more than three plays throughout the game.
The offense came alive right before halftime. Sophomore quarterback Brandon Chadbourn engineered a brilliant Marauders’ drive, completing four passes in the process. The series was capped by an 8-yard strike from Chadbourn to senior Pat Irwin.
Irwin later caught a 28-yard touchdown to seal the win for Bishop Guilfoyle.
“Pat Irwin was a hero tonight,” said Coach Wheeler. “He made the switch from quarterback to receiver, and it was a great move for him. He’s a great kid.”
Senior halfback Cody Rossman ran the ball well, collecting 79 yards on his 20 carries.
Sophomore Matt Gormley caught two passes for 28 yards. Rossman and sophomore Sam McCloskey each intercepted a pass on defense.
Senior wideout Brawley shined for the Highlanders, picking up 59 total yards on his two touches, and also scoring the only Cambria Heights touchdown of the night.
“We need to eliminate those turnovers,” said Highlanders coach Jarrod Lewis. “It’s as simple as that. We aren’t going to make excuses. We’ll get better and be ready for Central Cambria next week.”
Bishop Guilfoyle – now 2-1 – will travel to Forest Hills next week. Cambria Heights (1-2) will host Central Cambria.
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