Freeport Yellow Jackets

CORAOPOLIS - West Allegheny coach Sean Hart has to be going nuts as he has watched his team try to hunt down Canon McMillan for the Class AA West Division title. The Indians were in prime playoff position after a big win over Canevin a few weeks ago, but have fallen on hard times in the scoring department since dropping a couple of key games to remain behind the Big Macs. First year coach Norm Cook, would like to have Hart’s problems as his Bridgers have fallen off the map in the Class AA playoffs picture. Ambridge has had some impressive performances, but has been unable to put it together against the league stronger teams. In the first period, Ambridge looked to be in a battle with West Allegheny as the game remained game scoreless early on. Then off a turnover, Terry Maitz beat Phil Sweet on the backhand and the Bridgers were on top 1-0 with 8:20 remaining. West Allegheny came right back as Tom Quinn’s wrist shot from the point was tipped by Tony Lutz behind goaltender Morgan to tie the game at 7:41. Then it was the Indians freshman sensation Steve Sarachene, who benefited from some great corner work by Josh Fuoco, who buried a shot upstairs to give WA a 2-1 lead at 5:50. Then the backbreaker for Ambridge came with just 11 seconds remaining, as Fuoco showed why he is one of Pa Hockey’s top 25 as he made a nifty move from behind the net and slipped a backhand past Morgan to give the Indians a 3-1 lead. The floodgates opened in a five goal West Allegheny second period as Tom Quinn, Steve Sarachene, Bobby Maliszewski, Derek Keller and Quinn again tallied to break the game wide open. The Indians were now outshooting Ambridge 30-9 after two periods with an 8-1 lead. Josh Fuoco and Kevin Walsh added goals in the third and West Allegheny captured a much need 10-1 victory.