Shenango clinches share of Big Seven title
Shenango (41) vs. Vincentian Academy (6)
Written: Oct 16, 2015
By John D'Abruzzo
New Castle News
McCANDLESS, TWP. — An outright conference title is now just one victory away for Shenango High’s football team.
The Wildcats secured at least a share of the WPIAL’s Class A Big Seven Conference crown last night on the road against Vincentian Academy. In a contest completed with the mercy rule, they triumphed over the Royals, 41-6, at Lt. J.C. Stone Field in North Park.
“Our kids showed a lot of poise and a lot of focus on the goal,” Shenango coach Mike Commesso said. “They finished strong. I’m proud of them.”
It has been 12 years since Shenango’s football program last won a conference championship. Back when the Tri-County North was still in existence and the Wildcats competed in Class AA, they went a perfect 6-0 that season to win the title.
Shenango (6-0 conference, 6-1 overall) will have an opportunity to win the Big Seven Conference outright next Friday at home against Riverside (1-4, 2-5).
“We have to get better every week and start preparing for what’s ahead and not look past any opponents,” senior tight end Brandon Ryder said. “We have to keep getting better.”
Against Vincentian Academy (1-4, 1-6), Shenango jumped out to a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter after senior Ricky Lanigan came up with an interception during the Royals’ first series of the game. That turnover set up a 12-play, 48-yard drive that was capped by a one-yard touchdown run by Jason Wallace.
The Wildcats forced the Royals to punt on their second series of the game and followed it up with a 30-yard touchdown run by Hunter Waskin midway through the second quarter to take a 14-0 lead.
Even though the Wildcats threatened to score in the closing seconds of the second quarter, that two-touchdown advantage remained at the half after they missed a 34-yard field goal attempt with 2.1 seconds left in the quarter.
“We started out a little slow,” Commesso said. “We didn’t have that many possessions in the first half, but our execution was good and our defense played well. Overall, it was a nice conference win for us.”
Shenango dominated the second half and got back-to-back scores from Lanigan during the third quarter. He scored early in the period on a seven-yard pass from quarterback Even Kendall and then added a 30-yard fumble return less than two minutes later.
“Our whole team executed,” Lanigan said. “I don’t want any credit. All of my teammates deserve the credit tonight.”
Ryder, who finished the game with a team-high five catches for 80-yards, helped put the Wildcats ahead 34-0 after hauling in a 29-yard pass from Kendall during the opening seconds of the fourth quarter.
“It was a very important game for us,” Ryder said. “We knew we couldn’t give them any chances to get back into the game because you never know what could happen.
“It’s Friday night and anyone can pull out an upset.”
Shenango outgained Vincentian Academy in total yards, 299-171. The Royals collected 148 yards on the ground.
“They run the ball well and when they’re clicking, they have the ability to control the clock a little bit,” Commesso said. “I give them credit. They’re a tough team. They came out and executed well in the first half.
“They turned over the ball a few times in the second half and we were able to jump on that and take advantage.”
Kendall finished the game completing 8 of 11 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Wallace led the team in rushing with 76 yards and a score on 10 carries.
“It’s very important for us to finish strong,” Commesso said. “You can’t put in all this work and not finish. We have to maintain our focus and maintain a level of hunger and finish strong.”
(Email: ncsports@ncnewsonline.com)
SHENANGO VINCENTIAN
16 First downs 9
186 Yards Rushing 162
9 Yards Lost 14
177 Net Rushing 148
11 Passes Attempted 9
8 Passes Completed 2
0 Passes Intercepted 1
122 Yards Passing 23
299 Total Yards 171
0-0 Fumbles-Lost 2-1
1-42 Punts-Average 3-18
2-15 Penalties-Yards 5-40
SHENANGO 7 7 14 13 — 41
VINCENTIAN 0 0 0 6 — 6
Scoring plays
SHENANGO — Jason Wallace, 1-yard run (Dylan Kleckner kick).
SHENANGO — Hunter Waskin, 30-yard run (Kleckner kick).
SHENANGO — Ricky Lanigan, 7-yard pass from Evan Kendall (Kleckner kick).
SHENANGO — Lanigan, 30-yard fumble return (Kleckner kick).
SHENANGO — Brandon Ryder, 29-yard pass from Kendall (kick failed).
SHENANGO — Isaiah Taylor, 4-yard run (Kleckner kick).
VINCENTIAN — David Fleming, 1-yard run (kick failed).
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