Tigers crush Baldwin
By Dean Dellamalva Jr.
MVI Sports
Slow starts are common in Week Zero games, even for McKeesport, which punted after running just five plays in Friday’s opener against Baldwin.
But the slow start didn’t last long.
The Tigers overwhelmed the Highlanders, scoring on several explosive plays en route to a 48-7 non-conference victory at George L. Smith Field at Weigle-Schaeffer Memorial Stadium.
Bobbie Boyd got the scoring started on McKeesport’s second possession, racing 85 yards through the Baldwin (0-1) defense. The Tigers scored two more times in the next four-plus minutes of the first quarter to put the game out of reach quickly.
“We were a little sloppy, missing some assignments, but we have some guys who are pretty special who can make you right sometimes,” McKeesport coach Matt Miller said. “Week Zero is usually that week where you’re a little sloppy. I think another week of practice is what we need. But all in all, you have got to be pretty happy with the outcome.”
On the ensuing kickoff, Milton Campos’ pooch kick landed and stopped abruptly. Caiden Holtzman pounced on the loose ball for McKeesport and set the Tigers (1-0) up at the Baldwin 27.
On fourth-and-5 from the 23, Caleb Reist threw a pass down the middle of the field that Dennis Jackson reeled in for the second McKeesport touchdown. The snap was bad on the extra point, but the Tigers led 13-0.
McKeesport, well known as a running team with its trademark triple-option offense, attempted several passes in the game, showcasing an added threat teams will have to worry about this season.
“We were trying. I think we need something to help step us over the edge to go from a good team to a great team. There are some really good teams in our conference and you can’t be one dimensional,” Miller said.
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