Keystone Cup Scholastic Showcase

MONROEVILLE - Two weeks ago, Franklin Regional had only one win to its credit and four losses to start the season. The Panthers looked like they would fall back to Gateway and Plum. What a difference a couple of weeks has made. Gateway has stumbled of late and Plum, who is the division lead lost to Meadville on Tuesday. Conversely, Franklin Regional has not lost in its last four and a win over Penn Hills would put the Panthers just a game out of first place. After a scoreless first period, FR's Mark Gigliotti scored on the breakaway at 9:20. Mike Roth added to the Panther lead as he redirected a Mike Mento pass by Justin McCullough to make it 2-0. Not to be outdone, Luke Baughman scored with only 48 seconds remaining in the second and Frankin had a commanding 3-0 cushion. Penn Hills came out in the third with a vengence and Ryan Jones scored from the right point to cut the lead to 3-1. The Indian pest Jimmy Jackson showed why opposing teams hate playing against him as he scored on the rebound and all the sudden it was 3-2. Franklin was able to hold on and even its record to 4-4-1 at the X-Mas break.