Blackcats defeat Rebels in two-point thriller

By Alan Kopitsky
For the Daily Journal

FREDERICKTOWN — Facing the prospect of falling to 0-2 in district play, the Central Rebels and Fredericktown Blackcats both understood the importance of Friday night's game. The two teams battled until the game's final minutes with the Blackcats winning 28-26.

Fredericktown drew first blood, as they received  the opening kickoff and came out with a power running attack by fullback Nick Franks, and running backs Zach Sohn and Joey Lewandowski.

On third down and six from their 37, Cats end Ryan Gifford hauled in a pass from quarterback A.P. Lewandowski with one hand and was stopped at the Central 42. Three plays later, Joey Lewandowski ran 40 yards for a touchdown. Ryan Gifford kicked the point after, and the Cats led 7-0.

Fredericktown kicked off and Central sophomore Tanner Skaggs displayed some great speed and elusiveness, running the ball back to the Fredericktown 44. Central moved the ball consistently until on third and goal at the six, Jacob Farmer intercepted a pass in the end zone which for a touchback.

On the Cats first play from scrimmage, Joey Lewandowski broke loose into the open field and raced into Central territory all the way to the Rebels 23. On a fourth-and-one from the three, Joey Lewandowski  went up the middle and into the end zone. Gifford's PAT made it 14-0 with 35.1 seconds left in the first quarter.

Central tried a trick play on the ensuing kickoff return and worked it to perfection, as Skaggs took a handoff at the eight-yard line and went 92 yards for a touchdown. Placekicker Taylor Gray's kick was blocked and the score was 14-6 with still 19.7 seconds left in the quarter.

Fredericktown started its next drive at the 26 yard line and marched down the field. The big play of the drive was a 34-yard pass from A.P. Lewandowski to Gifford. On second down and goal from the Central three, A.P. Lewandowski hit Sohn for a touchdown pass. Gifford drilled the PAT.

Central started at its own 43, and took 17 plays with a five-yard touchdown hook-up, from Bland to Skaggs on a slant in the end zone to make the score 21-12 with 1:14 left in the half. Linebacker Glen Anthony made a saving tackle on the two-point try which would play a huge factor in the outcome of the game later.

Bland intercepted a pass to give the Rebels another chance before the half, but Farmer made his second interception for the Blackcats, and the score remained 21-12 at the half.

Neither team could collect points for their efforts on their opening drives of the third quarter. On the Rebels second possession, Farmer came up with his third interception..

The Blackcats capitalized quickly on the turnover with a five-play drive. The final play was an 11-yard touchdown pass from A.P. Lewandowski to Gifford. Gifford's PAT made it 28-12 with 6:22 left  in the game.

Central did not cave in, but went strictly to the air, and predominantly to Martin to score quickly. The final play was a 30-yard strike from Bland to Martin for a touchdown. It was Martin's sixth catch on the drive. Again the Rebels failed to convert leaving the Blackcats with a two score lead, and only 3:25 to play in the game.

Central recovered its onside kick, and took just 53 seconds and seven pass plays to go 62 yards for another score with Bland hitting Martin from 18 yards out.

Bland threw a short pass to Martin, who hurdled a tackler at the goal line for the 2-point conversion to set the final score at 28-26 with 2:25 to play in the game.

The game was definitely a contrast in styles. Central totaled 368 yards in the game with just 11 on the ground. Bland completed 38 of 54 passes for 357 yards and three scores. Martin had 18 catches for 206 yards.

Fredericktown totaled 387 yards. A.P. Lewandowski completed six of ten passes for 89 yards and two scores, and rushed seven times for 91 yards. Joey Lewandowski was the rushing star, gaining 151 yards on 21 carries and scoring twice. On defense, Fredericktown was led by Nick Franks' 12 solo tackles. Farmer had eight solo tackles to go with his three interceptions.

Thursday night, Central, 4-5 will got to Potosi, 7-2. The Trojans lost, 52-32 to Ste. Genevieve (8-1), Friday night. Fredericktown (8-1) plays at Ste. Genevieve, Thursday night.

Central  6  6  0  14 - 26

Fredericktown  14  7  0  7 - 28

First quarter

F - Joey Lewandowski 40 run (Ryan Gifford kick) 7:40

F - Joey Lewandowski 3 run (Ryan Gifford kick) :35.1

C - Tanner Skaggs 92 kickoff return (kick failed) :19.7

Second Quarter

PAT and it was 21-6 with

F - Zach Sohn 3 pass from A.P. Lewandowski (Ryan Gifford kick) 8:11

C - Tanner Skaggs 5 pass from C.J. Bland (run failed) 1:14

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

F - Ryan Gifford 11 pass from A.P. Lewandowski (Ryan Gifford kick) 6:22

C - Tony Martin 30 pass from C.J. Bland (pass failed) 3:25

C - Tony Martin 18 pass from C.J. Bland (Tony Martin run) 2:25