Mustangs fall to Bombers in season opener

PENN YAN (9/3/16)--The Penn Yan varsity football team suffered a 34-14 defeat at the hands of the East Rochester-Gananda Friday, Sept. 2. The game was both the season and home opener for the Mustangs.
The two teams stalemated against each other to open the game, taking a 0-0 score into the second quarter. Penn Yan got on the board first completing a six-yard touchdown pass to Will Rogers on a rollout. After a failed two-point conversion, the score was 6-0 Penn Yan.
However, the Bombers responded on their next drive with a score of their own on a two-yard rush. After a successful extra-point, the Bombers led 7-6. Penn Yan had two more offensive possessions in the second quarter, the second of which came on a strip and fumble recovery by lineman Cadin Lloyd. But an interception on the second drive meant East Rochester retained their lead going into halftime.
East Rochester scored on their opening drive of the second half on a 13-yard touchdown pass, extending their lead to 13-6. An interception on Penn Yan's following drive led to ER adding more to their lead with a six-yard touchdown pass to go up 20-6. Penn Yan was forced to punt on their next offensive drive after a snap over the quarterback's head put them in a fourth and 32 position.
However, Rogers scored for the Mustangs on the play after coming up with the ball after a fumble by the East Rochester kick returner. The Mustangs brought the score to 20-14 following a successful two-point conversion. Penn Yan looked to be seizing the momentum by forcing the Bombers to a fourth and four situation, but East Rochester's 42-yard touchdown pass the following play only extended their lead. ER would score once more to secure the 34-14 victory.
Offensively, Stape led the ground attack with nine carries for 73 yards and had a 41 yard reception. Rogers had one touchdown reception. Marsh led the Mustang defense with 11 tackles on the night, followed by Jack Petersen with eight tackles and two tipped passes. Stape also added seven tackles.
"I think we have got to work on our DBs (defensive backs), which are a little shallow right now, but we have got some guys coming back," Head Coach Paul Giovine said. "Great effort from the team. I am proud of these guys and I am looking forward to battling with them in the future."
With the loss, the Mustangs fall to 0-1 on the season. Their next game is Friday, Sept. 9 at Geneva. Game time is 7 p.m.