Coach Scott Bryer has said the Leopards have been running the two‑minute drill twice a week since May. That preparation showed its value on Friday night when Belle Vernon staged a dramatic comeback to win the Class 3A Interstate Conference title.
Late‑game heroics
Trailing 28‑14 with just over two minutes left, quarterback Jace Gedekoh led a 90‑yard drive that ended with a 12‑yard touchdown pass to wide receiver David Bergstedt. The extra point put the Leopards within five points.
On the ensuing kickoff, kicker Landon Bell executed a perfect onside kick that was recovered by safety Skylar Gush at the Warriors’ 48‑yard line. Two plays later, Gedekoh connected on a 35‑yard pass to running back Chace Petrosky, who then powered his way into the end zone from the 2‑yard line.
Rather than kick the extra point, Belle Vernon elected to go for two. Gedekoh took the ball himself and ran it in, giving the Leopards a 29‑28 lead.
Coach Bryer praises preparation and character
“We basically had to run that two‑minute drill twice,” Bryer said after the game. “It didn’t happen by accident – it was something we prepared for. Jace made great reads, and several players stepped up, especially Chace and David.”
The Leopards’ defense held firm in the final seconds as Elizabeth Forward’s kicker Luke Holdren missed a 45‑yard field‑goal attempt, sealing the victory.
Key performances
Elizabeth Forward’s running back Rocco Thompson rushed for 163 yards and a fourth‑quarter touchdown that briefly gave the Warriors a 28‑14 lead. Kaden Allen contributed 106 rushing yards and a 98‑yard touchdown run early in the game.
For Belle Vernon, Petrosky led the ground attack with 81 rushing yards, while Gedekoh finished with a passing touchdown and a rushing score in the decisive two‑point conversion.
Season‑long resilience
Bryer noted that the team’s ability to finish strong has been a hallmark all season, citing hard‑fought wins over Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, West Mifflin, Derry and a tight battle with Waynesburg. “We have a pretty resilient group. To stay focused when you’re down 14 points with only a few minutes left says a lot about these kids,” he added.
The Leopards now celebrate their first Interstate Conference championship since unseating the defending Warriors, a triumph that reflects both disciplined practice and the character of a tight‑knit community.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
