Inconsistent play hurts Spartans in Lockport loss
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Williamsville North is getting closer at putting all three phases of a football game together, but inconsistencies at certain moments cost the Spartans last Saturday in a 22-7 home loss against Lockport.

"It was a game of would have, could have and should have," said North coach Mike Mammoliti. "We're striving for consistency but we're not there yet."

An example of North's inconsistencies was on offense. The Spartans amassed over 300 yards of total offense but only scored seven points, a 15-yard touchdown pass late in the second quarter from junior quarterback Anthony Longarzo to senior receiver Josh Barrett. It was the only TD of the first half for either team.

North opened the game with a 10-play drive that stalled at the Lockport 12-yard line after a Longarzo fumble. Longarzo also fumbled late in the fourth quarter after senior Austin Benschadle intercepted a Lockport pass in the end zone.

"We did a lot of good things on offense, but we drove to their 12 and came away with nothing," said Mammoliti.

Despite the turnovers, Longarzo had a career day in the air, completing 15 of 21 passes for 210 yards. Barrett caught 13 passes for 200 yards.

Mammoliti said the plan going into the game was to get Barrett in more situations where he would be in man-to-man coverage and use his athletic ability.

"He was able to create space for himself, and once he did that it was a matter of him going up for the football or making a move after he caught it," said Mammoliti said. "He's as consistent a player as we've had this year."

Lockport scored 22 unanswered points in the second half to gain the victory.

Both teams forced the other to punt, and on North's attempt, the snap went through the hands of senior punter C.J. Miosi and through the end zone for a safety. It was the third time this season where an errant snap has occurred on a punt.

The safety automatically forced North to punt to Lockport and the Lions made the Spartans pay, driving 56 yards and scoring on a 18-yard TD pass from junior QB Justin Guyton to Rocky Surace.

Lockport running back sophomore David Fluellen zigzagged his way for a 72-yard TD with 10:50 remaining in the game and returned a punt 32 yards with just under five minutes to play.

"We didn't do a good job tackling him at the point of attack," said Mammoliti.

North got the ball back with 4:43 left and turned it over on downs. On the ensuing drive, Benschadle intercepted Guyton.

Junior back Steve Pekarski had 65 yards rushing. Regular starter Jim Gaines was out with a concussion he suffered against North Tonawanda in week five.

Mammoliti lauded the play of linebackers P.J. Abbarno and Mike Toth and defensive tackle Andy Steinhaus. He also thought the kickoff and punt return teams gave his team good field position.

North plays at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Niagara Falls.

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com