Warriors hold off Gladiators in 2 overtimes

By DEAN DELLAMALVA JR.

MVI Sports

Chase Whatton caught a 10-yard touchdown pass in the second overtime and the Elizabeth Forward defense stopped South Allegheny’s Antonio Epps at the 1-yard line on fourth down to secure a 20-14 win in double overtime Friday night.

EF (4-0, 3-0) did it while losing quarterback Evan Lewis in the second quarter. He was on crutches after the game, but Warriors coach Mike Collodi wouldn’t speculate on the severity of his injury

“We’ll find out, (Lewis) has a doctor’s appointment (today), so right now I really don’t know,” Collodi said. “Obviously when you lose a four-year starter at any position, everyone else around him has to step up. Not just put the load on whoever is starting at quarterback.”

Freshman Vernon Settles, who starts at receiver and cornerback, stepped in to replace Lewis. Collodi thought Settles did well, apart from a couple of issues.

“(Settles) has seen big-time action already,” Collodi said. “He made some great plays tonight; he actually threw the touchdown pass to win the game.”

Leading 14-0 early in the fourth quarter, Settles threw a pass that was intercepted by Antonio Epps and returned to EF’s 26-yard line.

A roughing-the-passer penalty gave SA a first down after a failed fourth-and-14. Three plays later Ethan Kirkwood made a great catch along the sideline in the end zone on a pass from Jett Jones. Gavin Cleary’s extra point was good, making it 14-7 with 11:38 to play.

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