Albion nips Springville in sea-saw contest

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – JaQuess Harrison returns a punt for the game winning touchdown for Albion with just a minute to go this evening against visiting Springville.

Albion rallied for two touchdowns in the final two and a half minutes to outlast visiting Springville 40-34 this evening in a sea-saw B2 Division season opener which saw no less than seven lead changes.

Trailing 34-26, Albion pulled even on a 13 yard touchdown run by Ugene Harrison and a two-point conversion carry by Nate Moore with 2:32 remaining. That opportunity was set up after Springville gambled and lost on a fourth down and 11 pass attempt at midfield.

The Purple Eagles then scored the game winning touchdown on a 50 yard punt return by JaQuess Harrison with just a minute to play to make it 40-34.

Brilliance Johnson locks up the Purple Eagles victory with this interception in the final seconds.

“That’s what high school football is all about back and forth like that,” said new Albion Coach Adam Krenning of his debut victory. “We bent but didn’t break. I’m just really proud of them they did a phenomenal job.”

Trailing 8-6 after the first period, Albion rallied into a 20-16 half-time advantage on a 1 yard touchdown run and two-point converse carry by Ugene Harrison and a 5 yard scoring pass from quarterback Bryce Pritchard to Moore. A big 45 yard run by Ugene Harrison set up that tally.

That same combination of Pritchard to Moore also clicked for the Purple Eagles initial score of the season on a 19 yard completion in the first quarter.

Springville regained 28-26 lead at the three-quarter mark after TD runs of 18 and 73 yards by Jeremy Baker.

Albion’s lone score of the period came on a 10 yard run by Brilliance Johnson which gave the Purple Eagles a brief 26-22 lead with 3:05 to go in the quarter.

Springville extended its advantage to 34-26 when Barker tallied again on a 7 yard run with 9:11 remaining in the fourth quarter.

However, the last rally and the victory belonged to Albion as late touchdowns by Ugene and JaQuess Harrison put the Purple Eagles back on top to stay and an interception by Johnson sealed the win.  Jessy Cruz also helped to stymie Springvlle’s final possession when he registered a big sack on the first play of the series.

The Albion defense also got an interception by Moore and a fumble recovery by Kirk Ellison in the first half.

Albion next visits Depew next Friday.

Nate Moore stiff arms Springville defender Payton Szudzik after making a pass reception for the Purple Eagles.

Ugene Harrison breaks loose for a touchdown for the Purple Eagles.