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Freeport football rebounds with blowout win over Burrell as QB Drew Ross shines

BUFFALO TWP — Drew Ross’ mentality when it comes to being a dual-threat quarterback is simple.

“I have no problem doing both (rushing and passing),” the junior and second-year starter said. “I believe I should do both, I need to do both.”

In Friday’s Allegheny 7 Conference meeting with visiting Burrell, Ross’ ability was on full display. He passed for 156 yards on seven completions, rushed for 79 yards on eight attempts and accounted for four touchdowns as the Yellowjackets rolled to a 42-0 victory.

On Freeport’s first drive of the game, Ross completed passes of 41 yards to Sean Selinger and 17 yards to Madden Wisniewski before scoring on a 2-yard run to give the ‘Jackets the lead late in the first quarter.

Related Article: PIAA football Week 5: Live scores, schedule and more from Butler County games
Freeport quarterback Drew Ross (11) fakes a pass to running back Amos Glenn (26) in a football game Friday at Freeport High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

“He’s very talented and is a smart football player,” Freeport coach John Gaillot said of Ross. “He’s one of the leaders on the team.”

Selinger finished the game with three catches for 105 yards and a touchdown. Amos Glenn rushed for 88 yards and a score on just nine carries. But it was Freeport’s defense that initially snatched momentum away from the underdog Bucs.

Burrell (0-5, 0-1) dealt the ‘Jackets a heavy dose of running back Trey Coury on the game’s first drive.

The Bucs turned to their running game on the first 12 plays, with Coury gaining 35 yards on 10 carries in that span. On a fourth-and-4 from Freeport’s 28, quarterback Stephen Hasson was pressured by Camden Schlegel and sacked by Cole Troutman to turn the ball over on downs. The ‘Jackets then embarked on the first of their six touchdown drives.

“That was huge. After that, our defense was just tenacious in getting after it.”

Freeport (3-2, 1-1) scored three touchdowns in the second quarter to blow the game open. Glenn and Ross both found paydirt on the ground and Selinger hauled in a 56-yard scoring pass.

Ross and Braydon Pomaybo both scored in the second half.

“(The offensive line does) their job, and that allows me to do mine,” Ross said.

Freeport’s starting front included Cameron Manke, Matthew Wallisch, Hunter Lang, Wade Potocnak and Troutman.

Freeport quarterback Drew Ross stretches the ball over the goal line for a touchdown against Burrell in a football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Freeport High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Gaillot said his team’s play in last week’s game against Deer Lakes gave the team confidence. Freeport came back to tie the game after falling behind 21-0, before losing by seven points to the Lancers.

“That momentum carried over to tonight,” he said.

Freeport hosts Valley next Friday.

Related Article: Friday Night Sights: See photos from Week 5’s PIAA football games in Butler County

Burrell 0 0 0 0 — 0

Freeport 7 21 7 7 — 42

First Quarter

F — Drew Ross 2 run (Judah Thompson kick), 2:38

Second Quarter

F — Amos Glenn 3 run (Thompson kick), 11:57

F — Sean Selinger 56 pass from Ross (Thompson kick), 8:14

F — Ross 14 run (Thompson kick), 3:16

Third Quarter

F — Ross 1 run (Thompson kick) 7:40

Fourth Quarter

F — Braydon Pomaybo 23 run (Thompson kick), 1:43

Individual Statistics

Rushing: Burrell, Trey Coury 22-63, Liam Kasavage 3-4, Stephen Hasson 3-(-11), Nisaun Jones 3-5, Rocco Giannetti 1-(-1), Hobbes Omecinski 1-1, Liam Perdue 1-0. Freeport, Drew Ross 8-79, Amos Glenn 9-88, Dawson Gaillot 2-2, Braydon Pomaybo 7-60, Owen Neistein 1-7.

Passing: Burrell, Stephen Hasson 5-17-60-0. Freeport, Drew Ross 7-11-156-0.

Receiving: Burrell, Rocco Giannetti 1-3, Trey Coury 2-20, Talan Newcomer 2-37. Freeport, Sean Selinger 3-105, Madden Wisniewski 2-29, Danny King 1-21, Amos Glenn 1-1.

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