Published: October 07, 2008 11:50 pm      

City rivalry puts spotlight on Point Stadium this Friday

Bishop McCort will put its unbeaten record on the line Friday night at Point Stadium when Greater Johnstown visits for a Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference Section II matchup.

Bishop McCort (6-0, 4-0 Section II) has reeled off six consecutive victories to start the season while Johnstown (4-2, 3-1) is riding an unassuming three-game win streak.

The two high schools are located less than a half-mile apart.

“We could throw a stone at each other,” Johnstown coach Kevin Marabito said. “It’s a great rivalry. It’s great for the city.”

The Crimson Crushers relied on their ground game – throwing only three passes – to spoil Westmont Hilltop’s homecoming 38-14 last Saturday afternoon.

Bishop McCort running back Isa Wadley rushed for 131 yards on 17 carries and Eric Lowry had 14 carries for 121 yards on the ground.

“No. 1: We’ve got to stop their running game,” Marabito said. “They can throw the ball, but we’ve got to stop the run.

“I’m happy with the way we’re playing defensively. We’re looking to play solid defense.”

The Crimson Crushers were without their top quarterback, Jack Schrey, who was out of action against the Hilltoppers due to an injury.

“Jack’s still questionable,” Crimson Crushers coach Ken Salem said. “We’re not sure if he’s going to be able to go. One game doesn’t make a season, and we don’t want to risk further injury.”

Bishop McCort is perched at the top of the District 6 Class A rankings, 10 points ahead of undefeated Purchase Line.

The Crimson Crushers participated in Class AA last season.

Johnstown got a big night from quarterback John Siciliano, who was under the weather, in a 16-0 LHAC win over Bishop Carroll last Saturday at Trojan Stadium.

Quadir Christian led the Johnstown ground attack against the Huskies with 93 yards.

“They’re a lot tougher to defend,” Salem said. “We’re really impressed with their quarterback, and they have two or three running backs that complement his style of play.”

The Trojans forced five turnovers against the Huskies.

“We’ve got to keep the ball out of their hands,” Marabito said. “We’ve got to believe we can move the ball. We’ve got to limit our mistakes. If we make mistakes, they’re going to capitalize on them.”

The Trojans are the second-place team in the Class AAA rankings, trailing Hollidaysburg by more than 300 points.

Johnstown is 2-1 away from Trojan Stadium while Bishop McCort is 2-0 at the Point.

The Trojans have beaten the Crimson Crushers just once in seven tries during conference play.

“They’ve had our number,” Marabito said.