LOWER BURRELL — For all intents and purposes, Freeport's visit to Burrell Friday evening was a business trip. The Yellowjackets sought to punch their ticket to the postseason and, courtesy of another stout defensive showing, they did just that, downing the Bucs, 42-9.

“That's great,” Freeport coach John Gaillot said about reserving a spot in the playoffs. “But we're focused on next week. When we get on the bus and take our shoulder pads and helmets off, we're getting ready for our next opponent.”

Freeport hosts undefeated North Catholic next Friday. It will also be a chance for Freeport to position itself for its first Allegheny 7 Conference crown since 2015.

Already in the rearview mirror are the Bucs, who were overpowered from early on. Starting out with favorable field position in the first frame, it took Freeport (4-0, 5-3) only three offensive snaps to march 25 yards, the series capped off by the first of Ben Lane's three first-half rushing scores.

The 'Jackets fumbled near midfield, cutting short their next effort. Soon after, though, they'd hammer away at the hosts with a seven-play, 42-yard drive. Lane would outrace an oncoming rush and leap into the end zone on third-and-goal, opening a 14-point Freeport lead before the Bucs had even gained a first down.

Burrell (1-4, 1-8) wouldn't go down without some sign of life, however.

Caden DiCaprio broke loose for a 27-yard run on the ensuing possession. A 'Jackets personal foul penalty after the whistle helped the Bucs into the redzone.

“They run it very well,” Gaillot said. “A lot of the time, we couldn't even tell who had the ball.”

Ethan Croushore didn't allow the opportunity to go to waste, booting a 29-yard field goal to get Burrell on the board.

Lane would be picked off on the 'Jackets' next drive. Another penalty put Burrell on its guests' 5-yard line. DiCaprio punched the football in and the momentum was seemingly swinging into Burrell's favor. Then, the Bucs gambled and failed on an onside kick.

“I expected the way the kids responded,” Gaillot said. “Still, you're always a little bit nervous. (The sequence) made us hungrier.”

Lane scored once more—this time from five yards out—with four minutes left in the first half. Shane Jack and Zach Clark rounded out the scoring with rushing touchdowns early in the third and fourth quarters, respectively.

Of the upcoming outing with the Trojans, Gaillot said, “We're playing for the section. Whoever comes out of that will be in the driver's seat.”

North Catholic shut out Deer Lakes, 35-0, Friday.

“We don't have anything to lose,” Lane said.

Freeport 14 7 14 7 — 42

Burrell 0 9 0 0 — 9

First Quarter

F — Ben Lane 6 run (Vincent Clark kick), 8:43

F — Lane 8 run (Clark kick), :56

Second Quarter

B — Ethan Croushore 29 field goal, 8:30

B — Caden DiCaprio 2 run (kick failed), 6:53

F — Lane 5 run (Clark kick), 4:12

Third Quarter

F — Shane Jack 3 run (Clark kick), 8:13

F — Garrett King 6 run (Clark kick), 6:01

Fourth Quarter

F — Zach Clark 54 run (Clark kick), 11:47

Individual Statistics

Rushing: Freeport, Ben Lane 11-81, Brady Sullivan 4-54, Brady Stivenson 2-17, Garrett King 2-6, Zach Clark 1-2, Giovonie Fout 1-(-2). Burrell, Caden DiCaprio 22-85, Mason Jones 10-19, Tristan Brothers 2-5, Antonio Cook 1-4, Andrew Gratzmiller 1-4, Stephen Hasson 1-1, Devin Beattie 2-(-5), Nijere Floyd 2-(-5), Chase Genner 4-(-8), TEAM 2-(-27).

Passing: Freeport, Ben Lane 5-10-50-1. Burrell, Chase Fenner 2-4-8-0, Caden DiCaprio 0-1-0-0.

Receiving: Freeport, Brady Stivenson 4-47, Zach Clark 1-3. Burrell, Cooper Hornack 1-6, Tristan Brother 1-2.