First-half turnovers too much for East football to overcome
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Two fumbles and an interception in the first half were Williamsville East's downfall in a 28-13 loss last Friday at Lewiston-Porter.

All three turnovers led to Lancer points.

"We're not that powerful of a team to overcome a three to zero turnover ratio," said East coach Henry Fumerelle. "It just killed us."

East's first fumble at its own 30-yard line set up a 6-yard touchdown catch by Nick Sabha, his first of three scores. The Flames fumbled again at their own 35, setting up a 32-yard run by Vincent Gambino.

Down 14-0, East junior running back Mike Silvestri ran in a 15-yard touchdown in the second quarter to cut the Lancers' lead to 14-7. Lew-Port answered with some trickery, courtesy of a 57-yard double pass from Rob Daggett to Sabha on the last play of the first half.

"That play really took the winds out of our sail," said Fumerelle.

Three plays earlier, East senior QB Zach Stubbendeck gave Lew-Port possession after he threw an interception in the end zone and Nick Polley returned it to the East 30.

Stubbendeck completed a 6-yard TD pass to Jordan DiBernado in the fourth quarter. Stubbendeck finished the day completing 24 of 38 passes for 198 yards. He also rushed for 60 yards.

The East offense finished with 335 yards. Junior back Mike Langfelder had 50 rushing yards and made seven tackles on defense. Linebacker Brad Teal recorded 13 tackles. JL Ivey and Dan Rizzo each blocked a punt; Rizzo's block led to East's first scoring drive.

In addition to his late TD catch in the first half, Sabha registered TD catches of 6 and 23 yards.

East (1-5, 1-4) hosts Sweet Home (6-0, 5-0) at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

"They're physical up front and their offensive line is good," said Fumerelle. "We really have our work cut out for us."

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com