Joe Terry scored in the second quarter and streaked 72 yards to set up a fourth period touchdown as Coaldale beat back small but fiery McAdoo, 13-0, for its first victory in two years.
The host Tigers who had lost 15 straight including all 10 last year and had not won a game since blanking McAdoo, 20-0, at midseason in 1958, came off the ropes near the end of the first half capitalizing on a pass interception for an opening score.
They added a second counter to make Coach Geno Poli’s debut complete in the fourth period with Terry opening the gates on a spectacular run from the Coaldale 15 to the McAdoo 14. Safetyman Gabe Washo forced him out of bounds, after the fleet Tiger halfback broke through the line and headed down the left sideline.
Fullback Mike Panchura took his cue on the next play, slamming over tackle for the touchdown. Jack Evans split the uprights for the extra point.
McAdoo, showing contempt for Coaldale’s heavier and more experienced line, pushed the Orange and Black across the field for the first 20 minutes. Coaldale, resigned to a defensive game, finally broke the monotony with 4 ½ minutes left in the first half.
Mike Danchak, substitute Tiger quarterback, snared a Washo pass at midfield and streaked to the MAdoo 43. Don Popik hit Rich Miller on a 13-yard pass to the McAdoo 39.
Ed Kassak skirted left end for a first down to the McAdoo 27. It was the Tigers’ initial first down of the game, and the first of only two throughout the opening half. Panchura cracked to the 15 and Kassak raced to the eight. Popik sneaked to the five, then handed off to Terry on a reverse around end for the touchdown.
It was big Bob Heisler’s punting that spared the Tigers consistently in the game. The massive tackle, converted from fullback, averaged 52 yards per kick.
McAdoo made its most serious bid midway through the third quarter. The Maroons marched inside the Coaldale 25, but Washo fumbled and Tom Sopko recovered for Coaldale. McAdoo also paraded to the Coaldale 37 only to be stopped on three running plays.
Washo kicked to the Coaldale 15 and the Tigers took off on their stilling 85-yard touchdown drive.
Coaldale:
Ends – Trubilla, Rajnic, Urban, Miller, E. Evans
Tackles – Heisler, Donovan, Griffith, Zweisdak
Guards – W. Evans, Sopko, Durich, Cheplick, Duval
Centers – Burns, Hedash
Backs – Popik, Terry, Kassak, Panchura, Danchak, T. Moyer, Cipko
McAdoo:
Ends – Lazorick, Caplich
Tackles – Schwartz, Matuschiewicz, Boger
Guards – Scarpati, Skiptunas
Center – Garzio
Backs – Washo, Cara, Karmousky, Hartz, Aiello, Sobolewski
