Cheektowaga too physical for Amherst
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Amherst's Bert Smith tries to intercept an Adam Piscitello pass intended for Andrew Charvat during the Tigers' 22-0 loss at Cheektowaga last Friday. Photo by Joe Eberle Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

Any football coach will say games are won or lost on the offensive and defensive line. If that's the case, then Amherst shouldn't have gotten on the bus to travel to Cheektowaga last Friday.

Cheektowaga absolutely dominated Amherst from opening snap to the final whistle with a convincing 22-0 victory. Amherst is 0-3.

"I don't think we can expect to win a football game if we can't block or tackle," said Amherst coach Patrick Murphy. "We didn't prove that we could do either one on Friday."

The Tigers' offense was nonexistent, amassing only 21 plays, three yards rushing and eight yards passing. Murphy said his offensive line did not play well.

"Up front, their defensive line whooped our offensive line and really didn't give our running back, quarterback or receivers much of a chance to make a play," said Murphy.

Likewise, Murphy thought his defense, especially the defensive line, did not match the intensity of Cheektowaga's front four.

"We couldn't tackle and did a poor job of running to the football," said Murphy.

Cheektowaga capitalized on a short punt from Amherst to set up their first touchdown, a one-yard quarterback keeper by Adam Piscitello. The play was set up by an 18-yard pass from Piscitello to Andrew Charvat.

The Warriors extended their lead to 13-0 on their second offensive series when Jaleel Harris took a reverse five yards for the score.

A bad snap on an Amherst punt in the third quarter led to a Cheektowaga safety. Cheektowaga closed out the scoring in the fourth quarter when Nick McLean caught a five-yard tipped pass thrown by Piscitello in the end zone.

Pat Eck led Cheektowaga with 102 yards rushing.

Matt Weber led the Amherst defense with 11 tackles. DJ Filer added 10 tackles and recovered a fumble. Kevin Ford deflected a pass and had four tackles.

Amherst will try for their first win of the season when they travel to Williamsville East, who is also winless, at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.

"I think we're going to be OK," said Murphy. "I really believe that. We have to keep working, but I don't think we've worked hard enough in practice and in games. We have to take it to another level."

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com