‘Night to shine’ for Johnstown

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October 23, 2010

Mike Mastovich mmastovich@tribdem.com The Tribune-Democrat Sat Oct 23, 2010, 12:27 AM EDT

CRESSON — Johnstown’s offense collected 315 rushing yards on Friday night at Penn Cambria.

The Trojans’ starting defensive unit limited the Panthers to one score and even produced points with a fumble return for a touchdown.

Special teams chipped in with a long punt return for a score.

The total effort translated into undefeated Johnstown’s 42-24 victory over Penn Cambria.

“They have way too much speed and too many athletes for us,” Penn Cambria coach Ernie Fetzer said after his team fell to 5-3.

“You can’t let a team like this get any kind of break. They already have great athletes. They’re athletic. You can’t coach against speed. You can’t teach it. (Quarterback Gervon) Simon just goes one way, then runs the other way and just outruns you. You can’t do anything about that.”

Simon, a junior quarterback, is the area’s third-leading passer with 1,171 yards entering the game. But when Penn Cambria’s defense took away the pass, Johnstown adapted.

The Trojans carried 47 times for 315 net rushing yards. That total would have been even more impressive if not for minus-35 yards in the fourth quarter when the reserve unit had difficulties moving the ball.

Johnstown put up the yardage even though team rushing leader Tyler Arsenault was out with an injury.

“We’re going to take what you give us,” Tony Penna Jr. said. “Tonight the run was there. I was proud of the guys up front. I’m happy for our backs. A lot of times they do a lot of blocking. This was their night to shine.”

Simon had a game-best 93 yards on eight carries, but only had one second-half run. Shon Brantley rushed for 79 yards on seven carries, and Tim Odum had 48 yards and a touchdown on six runs.

“I was really proud of how the guys played up front,” Penna said. “We came out and ran the ball and controlled the clock.”

Johnstown opened with a 10-play, 63-yard drive that chewed up 5 minutes, 21 seconds. Simon’s 1-yard run capped the march, which included all runs. Michael Brooks kicked the first of six extra-points to make it 7-0 at 6:39 of the first.

Only 18 seconds later, Johnstown’s Calvin Anderson scooped up a bouncing fumble at the Panthers 34-yard line and ran untouched to the end zone for a 14-0 Trojans advantage.

“The fumble recovery, I give that credit to my team,” said Anderson, the area’s leader with nine interceptions. “We play together. We’re a family. They’re all my brothers and I wouldn’t be anywhere without them.”

Simon's 23-yard run five minutes into the second quarter made it a three-touchdown lead. Simon passed 8 yards to Daquan Minter with 51 seconds left in the opening half to set a 28-0 score.

“Our defense, they are the unsung heroes of this team,” Penna said. “Everyone sees the offense scoring. Coach (Neil) Cobaugh and his coaches do a great job week-in and week-out. Nobody outworks us. That’s been our philosophy all year long.”

Penn Cambria began the second half with a 65-yard scoring drive highlighted by Alex Pettenati’s 30-yard pass to A.J. Guzic. Pettenati’s 1-yard keeper pulled the Panthers within 28-6.

But Johnstown answered with a 10-play, 85-yard march that ended on Odum’s 34-yard touchdown run.

Anderson’s 62-yard punt return for a score put a running clock into motion at 3:39 of the third quarter.

“On the punt return, I just follow my team,” Anderson said. “Marc Watson threw a great block. Without him, I wouldn’t have done that. I give all my touchdowns and all my interceptions to my teammates. Without them I wouldn’t have any of those things.”

The Panthers’ Andrew Buck had a 1-yard touchdown run in the first minute of the fourth quarter to set a 42-12 score. Pettenati’s 26-yard run set up the TD.

Penn Cambria’s Ian Lewis recovered an errant snap on a Johnstown punt attempt and returned it 33 yards for another score, and Damion Lee’s 10-yard run capped a three-touchdown fourth quarter.

The late flurry was encouraging, but Fetzer didn’t read too much into those three touchdowns. “That was jayvees in there,” Fetzer said. “(Johnstown) had some trouble holding the ball. It was 42-6. That was the game.”

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‘Night to shine’ for Johnstown

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