Late interception dooms Freeport
FREEPORT — After scoring early in the fourth quarter to pull within six points, Freeport regained possession and was driving for the potential go-ahead touchdown.
Quarterback Brendan Lynch had the hot hand as he connected with Derek Durand for another big gain to get into Deer Lakes territory.
But on the next play, the Lancers silenced the crowd when cornerback T.J. Trocki leaped over the intended receiver, pulled down the game-changing interception and returned it into Freeport territory, setting up a Deer Lakes touchdown and a 35-21 football win at Swartz Field.
The victory was Deer Lakes' first win over Freeport (4-3, 3-2) since joining the Allegheny Conference in 2002.
"It's without a doubt the signature win of this season and of the football program," Lancers head coach Todd Hazlett said. "To beat a historically successful team like Freeport, at their field, on Alumni Night, it doesn't get any more special than what it is right now."
Deer Lakes (5-2, 4-1) controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and capitalized on Freeport mistakes to steal the road victory.
The first of those Yellowjackets errors came on the fifth play of the game. An errant pitch intended for Jake Campbell hit the turf and the Lancers' Zac Capan picked it up and returned it 34 yards for an early 7-0 lead.
But it was the fourth- quarter interception that proved too much for the 'Jackets to overcome. After Trocki's return, Deer Lakes put together a five-play scoring drive, aided by a Freeport personal foul, one of the team's 10 penalties.
"We gotta make plays and their corner made a play," Freeport coach John Gaillot said. "It comes down to that. ... We gotta regroup. Our backs are against the wall and we have to win these next two games."
Gaillot said his team must tackle better in the upcoming weeks after many blown tackles helped the Deer Lakes rushing attack.
Senior tailback Brian Palmiere gashed the Freeport defense and finished with 152 yards and three touchdowns. Palmiere ran through holes set up by his offensive line, but when there was nothing available, he carried defenders for extra yardage.
"The line was opening up holes all day and I was just finding them," Palmiere said.
Despite the lopsidedness in recent years, the rivalry between the teams was as fiery as ever Friday night. Many skirmishes broke out after the whistle, and there were five personal fouls assessed by the officials.
With emotions boiling over, it was Deer Lakes that was able to keep them in check long enough to come away with the victory.
The Lancers finished with 100 more rushing yards than the Jackets and won the turnover battle 3-1.
