OttawaHerald.com -- Community News. Community Connections.

	Franklin County, Kansas, USA

Subscriber Services Home Delivery Gift Subscription Stop-Start Delivery Missing Paper Back Issues Newsstand Locations Shopper Locations

Advertising Services Manage Your Account Place a Classified Ad Place a Display Ad Advertise Online Business Finder Directory

Other Services Submit News Laminated Items Photos & Keepsakes Article Archives Contact Us History of the Herald Our Policies

Suggest a poll topic

2009-11-21

2009-11-18

2009-11-05

Agriculture

Lifestyles

Saturday, October 24, 2009 12:41 AM

Ottawa toppled by Pittsburg in tough game on the road

By Greg Mast, Herald Sports Editor

PITTSBURG — It was a game to forget. Not much went right for the Ottawa High School football team Friday in Pittsburg.

The Cyclones fell 52-6 to Pittsburg.

For all involved, it was a disappointing performance, following last week’s 21-6 loss to state-ranked St. Thomas Aquinas.

“It was ugly, ugly,” Ottawa coach Marc Bergan said. “I am at a loss to explain it. It is extremely disappointing. They played well.”

Big plays spurred the Purple Dragons. Breakdowns in all three phases — offense, defense and special teams — led to the demise of the Cyclones.

“We self-destructed,” Bergan said. “We could not tackle. They had great field position most of the game.”

Four turnovers played right into the hands of Pittsburg. Ottawa threw three interceptions and fumbled once. Most of those led to points.

Ottawa played a lot deeper in its own territory.

Bergan said it limited his play-calling.

“That makes it tough,” Bergan said.

The first drives of the game told what kind of night it would be. Pittsburg drove 68 yards on 10 plays, picking up a key fourth down on a fake punt. Ottawa’s first drive ended when the Cyclones came up just short on a fake punt.

One play later, Pittsburg went up 12-0 on a 65-yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter.

Midway through the second quarter, Pittsburg scored on another big play — 62 yards — to go up 18-0. Pittsburg returned an interception for a score. It was quickly 24-0.

Ottawa fumbled the kickoff and Pittsburg recovered. Four plays later, the Purple Dragons scored for a 31-0 lead.

Pittsburg led 38-0 at halftime.

Ottawa’s scoring drive came in the fourth quarter on a 66-yard drive. Several Ottawa reserves played on that drive as Connor Goedert took over at quarterback. Senior Blake Firestone scored from the 3 with 4:56 left.

Bergan said one silver lining was a few of the younger players were on the field late in the game.

Ottawa (1-7) concludes the 2009 season Friday at home against state powerhouse Gardner.

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article |
Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.

Ottawa toppled by Pittsburg in tough game on the road

By Greg Mast, Herald Sports Editor

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article | Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article |
Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.