O'HARA TWP — Freeport's desire was unquestionable.

The results are still a work in progress.

The Yellowjackets contained a dangerous Shady Side Academy offense for much of Saturday afternoon, but the Indians remained undefeated with a 28-0 win in an Allegheny Conference clash at Michael J. Farrell Stadium.

Shady Side took control with a 21-point outburst in a span of one minute and 39 seconds toward the end of the first quarter.

“That's an amazing football team, very well balanced and so many weapons,” said Freeport coach John Gaillot of Shady Side. “My hat's off to them. They're legit.

“I'm proud of my boys, they didn't quit,” he added. “Fifth game in a row, we just keep fighting.”

A sack from Michael Troup on fourth-and-13 ended Shady Side's initial drive, but the Indians broke through later in the first quarter after Jarred Brevard sprinted 53 yards down to the Freeport 2-yard line. Chuck Calabrese plowed into the end zone on the following play for a 7-0 lead with 3:10 remaining in the first quarter.

A quick three-and-out from the Yellowjackets and a 24-yard punt return by Tyrel Hill gave Shady Side possession at the Freeport 17. Three plays later, Brevard scored from 8 yards out.

On the very next play from scrimmage, Jackson Fitzgerald stepped in front of an Andrew Romanchak pass for an interception and bolted 25 yards to the end zone and the Indians suddenly owned a 21-0 cushion with 1:31 to go in the first.

“Jackson Fitzgerald has been doing that all year long,” said Shady Side Academy coach Dave Havern. “He's a phenomenal football player.”

The Yellowjackets (1-4, 1-4) responded resiliently, allowing the Indians to pick up only one first down in each of the next two quarters. On the afternoon, Freeport stuffed Shady Side for negative yardage on 13 of 33 rushing plays. The 'Jackets also recovered four fumbles.

“We just said let's be basic and be aggressive,” said Gaillot. “I think that's the best thing for us because now they know how they can play. They can play an aggressive base defense.

“They continue to fight,” he added. “They're amazing, just very young.”

Shady Side broke through when Calabrese hit Matt O'Connor in the flats and downfield blockers paved the way for a 37-yard touchdown with 10:02 remaining.

Havern was displeased with his team's inability to sustain drives for much of the contest.

“We have some work to do,” Havern explained. “We know we have some gifted players, we know we have some talent, but my concern is we can't rely on guys making individual plays. We have to be more consistent.

“Freeport is always tough. You can't take them for granted,” he added. “We didn't have the focus we needed, but Freeport made us make some mistakes. They played some good ball.”

Despite Freeport's strong defensive effort, Shady Side returned the favor with its third shutout of the season.

Handicapped by injuries, the Yellowjackets mustered only 62 yards. Troup was the most effective weapon with 41 yards on 15 carries.

“We lost the two tackles last week and those are by far our best two linemen,” said Gaillot. “Those guys that stepped in today, they played their hearts out.”

Brevard finished with 110 yards on eight carries. Pitt recruit Dennis Briggs was brought down for a loss on six of nine rushing attempts, but still managed 45 yards.

“We're getting better and that's all we ask,” said Gaillot. “Get better and be physical.”

Shady Side Academy 28, Freeport 0

Freeport 0 0 0 0 — 0

Shady Side 21 0 0 7 — 28

F SSA

5 First Downs 10

37-48 Rushes-Yards 33-220

14 Passing Yards 49

4-13-1 Comp.-Att.-Int 3-6-0

62 Total Yards 269

1-1 Fumbles-Lost 4-4

2-10 Penalty Yards 4-25

First Quarter

SSA — Chuck Calabrese 2 run (Dan Marous kick), 3:10

SSA — Jarred Brevard 8 run (Marous kick), 1:44

SSA — Jackson Fitzgerald 25 interception return (Marous kick), 1:31

Fourth Quarter

SSA — Matt O'Connor 37 pass from Calabrese (Marous kick), 10:02

Individual Statistics

Rushing: Freeport, Michael Troup 15-41, Codey Digiacobbe 7-18, Dylan Hochbein 1-0, Steven Lassinger 5-(-1), Andrew Romanchak 9-(-10). Shady Side Academy, Jarred Brevard 8-110, Dennis Briggs 9-45, Chuck Calabrese 6-28, Eric Harris 4-28, Jackson Fitzgerald 3-10, Lewis Berry 1-3, Tucker Gillman 2-(-4).

Passing: Freeport, Andrew Romanchak 4-13-14-1. Shady Side Academy, Chuck Calabrese 3-6-49-0.

Receiving: Freeport, Codey Digiacobbe 1-12, Dylan Hochbein 1-6, Steven Lassinger 1-4, Michael Troup 1-(-8). Shady Side Academy, Matt O'Connor 1-37, Dennis Briggs 1-15, Jarred Brevard 1-(-3).