It was a tough afternoon for No. 5 August Martin High School football, as several big plays led to its 27-16 demise to top-seeded Petrides in the PSAL A Conference semifinals Sunday at home on Staten Island.
Though the Falcons (6-4) fought hard and came a long way from the start of the season, just one game from the finals, the Panthers (10-0) executed when it mattered most.
While his defense played well overall, August Martin head coach Kyle Allen chalked up the defeat to its secondary being out of position on several plays.
“We had some blown coverages. But when you don’t make the plays you’re supposed to make, you lose,” Allen simply said. “We did well upfront. We just kept getting beat over the top. We had some problems in the secondary. Those guys are young, too. So, they’ll all be back. They got to learn from this.”
Petrides got on the scoreboard first, as senior quarterback Jaiden Rivera, who completed three of three passes for 90 yards with three scores, hit senior Justin Alvarez on a 30-yard touchdown for a 6-0 advantage early in the first quarter.
August Martin responded when senior running back Giovanni Faulkner, who ran for game-high 130 yards on 23 carriers and made two catches for 94 yards, bolted for a 37-yard rushing TD midway through the first period that evened the score at 6-6.
On a Falcon punt, Petrides’ Jahshea McKinney took advantage of August Martin’s coverage lapse, as he picked up the bouncing pigskin, broke a few tackles, and returned it for a 71-yard touchdown and 13-6 lead after a successful extra point late in the first quarter.
The Panthers extended their advantage to 19-6, as Rivera connected with sophomore Michael Giordano on a 30-yard TD reception early in the second period.
However, Falcon junior signal caller Henry Lancaster took it upon himself to keep his squad in the tilt when he crossed the goal line on three-yard rush. Then, August Martin made good on a two-point conversion that cut the deficit to 19-14 near the end of the first half.
But junior Ryan Alexander victimized the Falcons, as he busted through the middle of the line and hit paydirt on a 40-yard rushing touchdown. Petrides’ Rivera followed by tossing a two-point conversion pass to Jamel Kamara for a 27-14 lead in the middle of the third quarter.
August Martin’s defense, who was a strong point for the team all season long, forced a safety, making it 27-16 in late in the third period. But that as close as it would get for the Falcons, who failed to capitalize on three red zone chances in the second half.
Allen took solace in the fact that the team is young and will return several key pieces, including developing quarterback Lancaster.
“We’re losing only two or three guys who played a lot, so should be good next year,” he said. “But his kid (Lancaster) played his butt off today. Completing passes, running the ball, staying in there like a man; he grew up today.”
Junior Roger Kossally made a team-best seven tackles while junior Roman Summers made four stops with a sack and fumble recovery. Junior Rowayne McKenzie had four tackles and senior Edgardo “EJ” Salazar made four stops and had an interception.
The Panters face No. 2 Springfield Gardens Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at Curtis High School on Staten Island for all the marbles.
— Jerry Del Priore
NY NJ Sports World/Brooklyn Sports World 