Utica (5-3, 1-2) held a 17-8 lead after a half of play, but the Redskins weren’t able to hold off Johnstown-Monroe (4-4, 3-0), who came back with a 22-7 second half advantage to take a 30-24 win.
The Redskins had a 231-142 yard advantage and 10-8 in first downs, while also converting 60% of third downs compared to 33%. They had an advantage in the turnover department, with one pick to two fumbles, but the Jonnies still managed to take the win thanks to a big second half.
Quarterback Hayden Piper started off the scoring for the Redskins on a 10-yard run, and a Logen Fisher kick made it 7-0 in favor of Utica. The Johnnies took an 8-7 lead on a four-yard run and a two point conversion.
In the second quarter, Justin Giffin blasted in from two-yards out, and Fisher knocked the extra point home to go up 14-8. Fisher added a 22-yard field goal to make it 17-8 at halftime.
In the second half the Johnnies scored 22 straight points. The Johnnies scored but missed the extra point, putting Johnstown-Monroe down 17-14 after three quarters. They then scored twice on running plays in the fourth, and two point conversions on each made it 30-17. Piper connected with Gavin Chinn in the fourth quarter and a kick by Fisher put the Redskins within six, but Johnstown-Monroe held on for the win.
The Redskins were led by Giffin who had 17 carries for 89 yards and a touchdown. Piper was 9-for-12 for 98 yards and a touchdown. Piper ran the ball 11 times for 41 yards and a rushing touchdown. Chinn caught six passes for 52 yards and a score.
On defense Piper had six tackles with one for a loss. Gavin Tussey had 14 tackles and Tyler Collura tallied 12 tackles with one for a loss. Nick Drumm and Chase Bennett each had 13 tackles with two for a loss. Tussey and Drumm both recovered fumbles.
Remaining games for Utica:
Friday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m. at Northridge
Friday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m. vs. Lakewood
