Bulldogs best Purple Eagles

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion quarterback Kyle Smith (1) looks up field as he tries to gain yardage during this evening’s game at Alden which was won by the host Bulldogs. Alden defender Zach Loper (20) moves in to try and make the tackle.

Breaking away from a 7-7 half-time tie, Alden capitalized on turnovers to score two unanswered touchdowns in the second half and earn a 20-7 victory over visiting Albion this evening in the B East Division opener for both teams.

A fumble recovery at the Alden 25 and 45 yard return by Joe King set the stage for what proved to be the Bulldogs game winning touchdown on a 17 yard run by Lyle Grant with 3:28 to go in the third quarter.

The Bulldogs defense also came up with two huge pass interceptions in the fourth quarter to stop Albion drives in the shadow of the Alden goal line. King intercepted the first near the goal line and Christian Snell picked off the second in the end zone.

The Bulldogs then drove 80 yards for the clinching touchdown following that second pick. Grant capped off the five minute drive with a 21 yard TD run with just 47 seconds remaining.

Albion did jump out to a lightning quick 7-0 lead just 4:18 into the game on a 8-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kyle Smith to Trey Hart and an extra point kick by Nate Trembley.

Smith also hooked up with Hart for a big 59 yard pass completion to set up the tally.

Albion’s Trey Hart (23) works to pick up yardage on a kickoff return as Mike Grosshans (35) and Charlie Varshay (44) make the tackle for Alden.

However, Alden answered right back with a 16 yard TD pass from quarterback Bryan Cybulski to Brandon Weierhauser and an extra point kick by Riley Pastuszynski just three minutes later to knot the contest at 7-7.

Albion did drive inside the Alden 10 yard line twice in the second quarter but could not capitalize on the opportunities. The Bulldogs defense stopped the first drive on downs at the 8 yard line and ended the second threat via an interception by King in the end zone.

The Albion defensive unit set up the Purple Eagles second threat of the period as JJ Downs intercepted a pass at the Bulldogs 36.

Three more turnovers, a lost fumble and two interceptions, then stymied the Albion offensive unit in the second half.

Albion is now 1-1 overall and Alden 2-0.

The Purple Eagles next visit Depew at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The Wildcats rolled past Barker/Roy-Hart 35-0 this evening in another B East Division contest.

Albion’s Tommy Mattison tackles Alden running back Lyle Grant on a fourth down play.