Monaca puts it all together against Neshannock
Neshannock (0) vs. Monaca (35)
Written: Oct 24, 2009
 By STEVE TREU
ncsports@ncnewsonline.com
MONACA — Monaca High saved one of its best for last.
In the final home game in school history, the Indians dominated on offense, defense and special teams to post a 35-0 Big Seven Conference victory over Neshannock.
Monaca is merging with Center next season to form Central Valley High, making last night the last time the Indians would suit up at Monaca Stadium, which sits just a hundred or so yards from the Ohio River.
“Everything went great,” Monaca coach Sam Cercone said. “It was very emotional all evening, from the locker room before the game to the end of the fourth quarter. The community really supported us and the kids responded well.”
Senior Joe Colangelo carried 19 times for 95 yards and a touchdown while also bringing back a punt for a 72-yard score as the Indians improved to 4-2 in the conference, 5-3 overall.
The short-handed Lancers fell to 1-5, 2-6.
“We had six starters out, so mostly young guys were out there,” Neshannock coach Pat Cuba said. “I’m happy that we got them playing time and I think we can compete, but when we’re down that many guys it’s tough.”
The Indians, who will become the Warriors next year when they consolidate with the Trojans of Center, were clearly up for this one from the start. They took their opening possession 57 yards on 11 plays — all runs — and scored on Brandon Schultz’s 3-yarder up the middle.
Offense? Check.
Three plays into Neshannock’s first possession, Colangelo jumped an out route for an interception and returned it deep into Lancers territory.
Defense? Check.
On Neshannock’s second punt, Monaca flattened three Lancers in pursuit of Robert Foster on a 55-yard punt return for a touchdown. That one was wiped out due to a penalty, but was a harbinger of things to come as Colangelo took one to the house early in the third for a 21-0 lead.
Special teams? Check.
Though the Indians were superb in all three phases of the game, like most coaches, Cercone was most proud of his team’s defensive effort.
“We like pitching a shutout, that’s most important to us,” he said.
Justin Shaw rambled for 74 yards on just four carries, including the final touchdown of the game from 5 yards out early in the fourth quarter. Monaca’s other score came on a 1-yard quarterback keeper from Matt Bradford late in the third.
Neshannock was without injured starting quarterback John Sansone, who was replaced by senior Chris Kirkwood. Kirkwood led the Lancers with 68 yards on 18 carries and nearly had a breakaway run for a touchdown, but was dragged down from behind after a 53-yard gain.
“Chris did a good job,” Cuba said. “He had not lined up there all year, but we had to make that move in order to do something offensively.”
Justin Paolini was Neshannock’s defensive standout, recording a fumble recovery and an interception.
The Lancers, who have been outscored 77-0 over the past two weeks, will try to get back on track in their season finale Friday at home against Union.
“We'd like to close with a win,” Cuba said. “We’re going to play hard, just like I’m sure Union will.”
NESHANNOCK MONACA
2 First downs 12
91 Yards Rushing 205
5 Yards Lost 21
86 Net Rushing 184
12 Passes Attempted 8
3 Passes Completed 3
2 Passes Intercepted 1
21 Yards Passing 48
107 Total Yards 232
2-0 Fumbles-Lost 4-3
4-30 Punts-Average 2-30
6-30 Penalties-Yards 2-20
NESHANNOCK 0 0 0 0 — 0
MONACA 7 7 14 7 — 35
Scoring plays
MONACA — Brandon Schultz, 3-yard run (Shane McKay kick).
MONACA — Joe Colangelo, 2-yard run (McKay kick).
MONACA — Colangelo, 72-yard punt return (McKay kick).
MONACA — Matt Bradford, 1-yard run (McKay kick).
MONACA — Justin Shaw, 5-yard run (McKay kick).
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