Taking on a tough defense — even one missing some starters — was going to be a challenge for Pittston Area.
But the Patriots took the long bus ride out to Williamsport, shook off an early touchdown deficit and boosted their outlook for the postseason with a 20-7 win over the Millionaires on Friday night at STA Stadium.
Pittston Area got a touchdown late in the first half on a goal-line plunge by Mike Nocito to tie the game, then connected on a few deep passes after the break to set up two more short scores and earn the road win.
The Patriots improved to 3-4 on the season as Bryheem Patterson ran in what proved to be the winning touchdown in the third quarter. Nocito then put the game away with a passing score to Franny George early in the fourth.
Williamsport managed to block the last extra point try, but the offense couldn’t rally in the final frame.
Already a team that relied mostly on defense this season, Williamsport (3-4) was missing two key weapons in quarterback Dallas Griess and running back Keith Freeman, according to the Williamsport Sun-Gazette.
Sophomore Frankie Morrone started under center for the Millionaires, who turned to Drake Mankey in the backfield with their top two rushers unavailable. Mankey scored the lone touchdown for Williamsport in the first.
The Patriots are back in action next Saturday afternoon with another road test at Scranton Prep before closing out the schedule with Crestwood and rival Wyoming Area.
Williamsport will take one of the longest road trips in the area next Friday with a hike to Delaware Valley and then play two more WVC squads in Wilkes-Barre Area and Wyoming Valley West.
