BUFFALO TWP — Freeport started strong, but was worn down Friday during a 21-3 non-conference loss to Aliquippa at Freeport Stadium.

“I think (Aliquippa's) big guys started leaning on us a little bit more (in the second half),” Freeport coach John Gaillot said. “They're a powerhouse team and their program speaks for itself.”

After struggling in the first half, the Quips' running game picked up steam late in the third quarter. Aliquippa (3-1) took advantage of good field position, starting at their own 49.

Davion Jones and Avante McKenzie took turns advancing the ball until Jones broke multiple tackles from 17 yards out for the touchdown.

The Quips took advantage of a Freeport encroachment penalty on the point-after attempt, and Jones ran in a two-point conversion for the 8-3 lead with 3:29 left in the third.

The Yellowjackets took over from their own 46 on the next possession, and before the end of the third had a chance to kick a field goal on 4th and 7 at the Quips' 33.

Gaillot said Sarver has made 50-yard field goals in practice, so they were going to try for it.

However, a delay-of-game penalty pushed Freeport back five yards and out field-goal range.

Aliquippa ate up clock in the fourth quarter with a 93-yard drive that ended with a one-yard score by McKenzie with just less than five minutes to play. The two-point try failed, and the Quips led 14-3.

Freeport had one more chance to score. Stalled at the Quips' with 4th and 3 to go, Sarver came out for the 44-yard field goal try.

With 1:36 left to play in the game, Gaillot said he was hoping for Sarver to make the field goal and then for Freeport to recover an onside kick.

“(Forty-three yards) is the school record,” he said. “I figured, go for the school record, Jake's a great kid, give him a shot at doing it.”

Sarver missed, though, and Aliquippa took over from the 20. On the next play, McKenzie broke free for an 80-yard touchdown.

“Our line kind of just took the game over and dominated up front,” Lindsey said. “They were very physical up front. That's what we've been doing and that's where our success usually lies.”

Despite the loss, Gaillot was happy with his team's effort.

“What I'm most proud for is we don't have to fear anymore of playing a team of that caliber,” he said.

McKenzie ran 21 times for 177 yards for Aliquippa, while Jones ran 18 times for 103 yards.

Freeport (2-1) held was able to stop the Quips' running game throughout the first half.