‘True blue football player’ paces East Allegheny past Apollo-Ridge

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, September 15, 2018 | 12:09 AM

East Allegheny coach Dom Pecora likes to call Dan Kasmier a linebacker who happens to play quarterback.

Not matter what he’s called, Kasmier did an excellent job as signal caller Friday night, running for 100 yards and three touchdowns, throwing for 123 yards and even catching a pass on his team’s first play as East Allegheny dominated the second half en route to a 34-7 Allegheny Conference victory over Apollo-Ridge at Owens Field.

“He’s not a true blue quarterback, but he’s a true blue football player,” Pecora said of Kasmier. “He kind of rumbles and stumbles up the sideline like a linebacker, because that’s what he is, a college linebacker that’s playing quarterback for us. I love the kid. He never gives you anything but his best effort.”

The Wildcats (2-2, 1-1) defense held Apollo-Ridge (2-2, 1-1) to two first downs in the second half and exploded for three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to break open a close game.

East Allegheny is 4-0 all-time against the Vikings after the first game between the two schools since 1998. East Allegheny outgained Apollo-Ridge, 185-25, in the second half.

Defensive back Praishaun Gainer intercepted two Apollo-Ridge passes that led to touchdowns in the second half.

“Our defense was awesome,” Pecora said. “Our defensive coordinator Ryan Kenney does a great job in the six years we’ve been together. He has them ready to play.”

The Vikings played well in the first half, stopping East Allegheny three times inside their territory. But A-R couldn’t get any second-half momentum.

“Whenever we get worn down, we don’t play well. Somebody tweaks something or somebody goes down. We’re not very deep,” Apollo-Ridge coach John Skiba said. “If we make a bad read or do something screwy in the blocking scheme, then we give them the opportunity to make a play.”

East Allegheny started six drives inside Vikings territory, and field position eventually made a big difference.

“Field position and us not being able to finish any plays,” Skiba said. “We back ourselves up, and you shoot yourself in the foot here and there. Our defense did a good job in the first half and battled as always, but we got wore down in the second half.”

Apollo-Ridge committed 81 yards in penalties, East Allegheny 73. Pecora also credited Dante Gant for stepping in when leading tackler John Dobranski wasn’t available because of an injury.

Logan Harmon, who gave Apollo-Ridge a 7-0 lead with a 3-yard run in the first period, ran the ball three times in the second half before being held out the rest of the way because of an injury. Keighton Reese also played sparingly.

Although it’s early in the season, Pecora didn’t want to downplay the win.

“The winner isn’t in here, but the loser has a uphill fight for the playoffs,” Pecora said. “That was not a minor win. You hate to overblow a Week 4 win. We were 0-1 in conference. You get to 0-2 in this conference with the powerhouses, you’re behind.”

Alex Gamble caught two passes for the Vikings for 71 yards and intercepted a first-half pass.

George Guido is a freelance writer.

Tags: Apollo-Ridge, East Allegheny