Gosnell claims win over Harrisburg

GOSNELL – The Gosnell Pirates halted a three-game losing streak and kept their slim postseason hopes alive with a 61-7 win over Harrisburg Friday.

The Pirates Kylan Young scored three touchdowns and was one of six players who scored in the rout of the Hornets (0-9, 0-6 4A-3).

In order to advance to the 4A Playoffs, Gosnell (5-4, 2-4) needs to defeat Westside Nov. 3 and then its hopes ride with this same Harrisburg team, which has lost 16 games in a row, to defeat Trumann.

Daniel Smith opened the scoring with a seven-yard touchdown on the initial drive of the game. It capped a short two-play, 47-yard drive. Young began the possession with a 40-yard run setting the ball up inside the Hornet 10-yard line. Sixteen seconds into the game, Smith cashed in with the touchdown which was followed by Sebastion Lara’s extra point – one of his four in the game.

A quick three-and-out from Harrisburg preceded the Pirates second score of the game when Young dashed 14 yards to the end zone. Less than four minutes in, host Gosnell led 14-0.

Harrisburg showed fight though, moving the ball 32 yards inside the red zone. After converting a fourth down play on a pass from Max Tracy to Ethan Chambers, the pair hooked up again on a 21-yard touchdown pass. Tracy added the point after and Harrisburg trailed 14-7 with 5:19 left in the first period.

However, the Pirates righted the ship, tightening its defense and allowing only three first downs, intercepting a pass, recovering a fumble and forcing five three-and-outs for the balance of the game.

Meanwhile, the offense clicked with Young, Vanterrues Lucas and Cam Williams scoring before the close of the half. Trent Middleton connected with Young on a 44-yard catch-and-run, while Lucas plowed through the line for a one-yard TD run. Williams’ score came on the defensive side of the ball where he picked off a Tracy offering and returned it 32 yards to paydirt.

Williams, a Division 1 prospect, appeared to return to form after battling injuries since week five. In addition to the pick six, he tossed a 30-yard touchdown pass to Jai Jacobs, had two receptions for 68 yards, and returned a punt 40-plus yards wich set up a second half Young touchdown.

Jacobs and Percy Wright accounted for the reamining two touchdowns to set the final.

All in all, Gosnell tallied 397 yards of offense – 243 rushing and 154 passing, while Harrisburg only managed 112 yards.

The Hornets Tracy was 4-of-11 passing with the interception for 40 yards while Trenton Fitzgerald completed a pass for 33 yards. Gavin Kimble was the team’s leading rusher with 35 yards on 18 carries.

For Gosnell, Lucas and Chad Stewart recovered fumbles, while Jacobs had three passes defended. Untarius Tate picked off a pass for Harrisbrung in the first half.

Gosnell travels to Westside for its regular season finale, while the Hornets host Trumann Friday.