Burgard holds off strong Albion rally
A big second half comeback bid fell just short as Albion dropped a narrow 26-20 decision to Burgard at All High Stadium in Buffalo this afternoon in a B North Division season opening game for both teams.
Trailing 26-0 at the half, Albion cut the deficit to 26-14 at the three-quarter mark on a pair of touchdown passes from quarterback Kyle Smith to Trey Hart and a two-point conversion by Des Blackmon.
The Purple Eagles then sliced the deficit to 26-20 in the final stanza on a Smith to Austin Loyd touchdown pass but could get no closer.
“The kids didn’t fold,” said Albion Coach Gary Parisi. “I am so proud of my players and coaching staff for the way they battled back. I’m just really proud of them. The kids are really pumped now.”
Albion next hosts Barker/Roy-Hart next Friday night.
Smith finished with 153 yards passing and 43 rushing and Manny Thompson 66 yards rushing and 23 receiving.
Thompson and Mike Laine both had fumble recoveries and Blackmon an interception for the Albion defense.
Aaron Burnside and Dominic DiCureia led the Purple Eagles in tackles with 10 each while Nate Trembly had 9 and Hart and Clayton Stanton 7 each.
