The Mount Pisgah Patriots varsity football team fell to Fellowship
33-28 on Friday night. After trailing 33-14, the Patriots mounted
a furious comeback attempt that fell short as the Patriots could
not score from the 21 yard line as time expired.The night started
off well for the Patriots as they quickly built a 14-0 lead in the first
quarter. Defensive lineman Shingi Chigwere scored on a one yard
touchdown run, and then a beautiful seven yard fade pass from
Aaron Winchester to Connor Richey put Pisgah in control early.
In the second quarter the momentum started shifting the Paladins
way as a blocked a punt was recovered for a safety by Fellowship.
On the ensuing possession Fellowship scored a touchdown to cut the
lead to 14-9. They added a 39yard field goal as the teams went into the
locker room with Pisgah leading 14-12.Fellowship scored again on their
first possession of the second half to take the lead 19-14.
The Patriots took the ball and began marching right up the field,
when a controversial fumble at the Fellowship ten yard line gave the
ball back to the Paladins. Fellowship scored again, capping an 18 play drive
with a 30yard touchdown to extend the lead to 26-14.Winchester then
threw an interception, which the Paladins quickly capitalized on for another score to lead 33-14 with just over six minutes to play.
The Patriots offense revived itself and got back into the game when Winchester hit Jacob Greene on a 35yard strike to cut the lead to 33-21.
After forcing a punt, the Patriots scored again on a 12 yard
pass to Richey to help the Patriots pull within five with 1:34 remaining.
Chase Clark executed a perfect onside kick, which was recovered by
Oz Dixon to send the Patriot fans into hysterics of joy.Winchester then
started leading the Patriots down the field.
On the final play Winchester’s pass to Oz Dixon fell incomplete, but a
pass interference call led to the Patriots having one more play from the
21 yard line. Winchester scrambled around the pocket before
throwing an interception in the end zone.
Winchester was 18 of 33 for 180 yards and three touchdown passes.
He rushed for an astounding 241 yards on 23 carries. Dixon had
63 receiving yards on seven catches, and Richey added 40 receiving
yards on five catches with two touchdowns.
Defensively Nicky Piccapietra led the Patriots with 12 total tackles,
including one sack. Chigwere added eight tackles to go along with his
touchdown carry.
The Patriots (4-2, 1-1) return home to face Pinecrest on Friday for
the annual Pink-Out game and Primary School Night.
-Stuart Hughes
thanks so much