FREEPORT — The on-the-field matchup between Freeport and Ford City Friday night largely mimicked the muddy playing surface upon which the two teams contested in a Class AA Allegheny Conference showdown.

Seeking to re-write a story of a first half that witnessed a combined 115 yards in penalties, Freeport (3-2, 2-1) unleashed a fourth quarter fury on the opposition, scoring three consecutive touchdowns en route to a 28-3 football victory over its conference rival.

“Our kids are starting to believe that they know how to play,” Freeport coach John Galliot said. “I'm real proud with how they worked this week. I hope that we can carry that on.”

In a game that featured only one first-half scoring drive, Ford City (2-3, 1-2) established momentum late in the third quarter, capping off an 11-play drive with a 37-yard field goal from kicker Andrew Huska to cut Freeport's lead to 7-3.

The drive featured four Ford City first downs.

“They fight until the end,” Galliot said of Ford City. “One of the best schools around here.”

Despite Ford City's effort, however, the pendulum completely shifted in favor of the home team in the final 12 minutes.

Freeport quarterback Brendan Lynch completed a 47-yard strike to wide receiver Sean Carson to put the Yellowjackets ahead by two scores. After Ford City quarterback David Lattanzio fumbled the ball on his team's ensuing possession, Lynch connected with wide receiver Tony Devivo for his second touchdown pass in three minutes to start the fourth quarter of play.

Freeport tacked on its third touchdown when Lynch once again hooked up with Carson for a 9-yard TD.

Carson finished with 71 yards on three catches, two of which were touchdowns.

Lynch completed five passes for 110 yards in the victory.

Galliot said he credits Carson, but also attributes the success of Freeport's passing game to the offensive line's performance.

“Sean has just been steady the entire year,” Galliot said. “We're starting to get a number of games where (the offensive line) is working together without injuries.”

While Freeport's passing attack secured the victory, it was the Yellowjackets' ground performance that manufactured enough offense to take the lead heading into the locker room. On Freeport's final drive of the first half, punter/kicker Dave Heidenger fumbled the snap in what looked like sure disaster for the Yellowjackets. But Heidenger was horse-collared on the tackle, which resulted in a 15-yard penalty against Ford City.

Damon Smith followed the penalty with three consecutive first-down rushes, ending the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run.

Smith led all rushers with 110 yards on 25 carries.

As for the penalties, Galliot said that improvements can certainly be made on both sides of the ball.

“There were a lot of penalties on both sides and that slowed the momentum down for both sides,” Galliot said. “We just have to watch film and teach them. Most of those were because we were overaggressive.”