EASTON – The Red Rovers scored 28 unanswered points in the second quarter in a 35-28 win over Bethlehem Freedom in the Districts 2-4-11 Class AAAA sub-regional quarterfinals Friday night at Cottingham Stadium.
Freedom had the only score in the first quarter. Quarterback Brian Uliana hit Eddie Elliott for the 38-yard pass and Freedom led 7-0.
In the second quarter Freedom started to unravel, turning the ball over five straight possessions. The Red Rovers took advantage of the turnovers.
After a bad snap by Uliana the Red Rovers tied the game up at seven. Austin Brown went in for the three-yard run.
The Red Rovers made it 14-7 when Jared Powell intercepted a pass and went 38-yard for the score.
They added two more scores before halftime. Ian Hayden hit Brown for eight and 45-yard touchdown passes.
The Patriots got within two scores when Uliana found Domoree Hill for the 23-yard strike as time expired.
The Red Rovers went into halftime leading 28-14.
The Patriots Gary Moritz blocked Kevin Griffin’s punt. It was recovered in the end zone for a 28-21 score.
The Red Rovers extended their lead in the fourth quarter. They drove 59 yards. Brown scored his second rushing touchdown of the game. He went in from two-yards out with 9:23 remaining in the game.
Freedom fought back again as Uliana went in for a three-yard score with 6:52 left in the game.
But another costly turnover late by Freedom sealed the win for the Red Rovers.
Easton is the defending District 11 champs and will host Scranton from District two who stunned Wyoming Valley West 36-7 Friday night.
Final 1st 2nd 3rd 4th T
Freedom 7 7 7 7 28
Easton 0 28 0 7 35
1st Quarter
F – Eddie Elliott 38-yard pass from Brian Uliana
2nd Quarter
E – Austin Brown 3-yard run
E – Jared Powell 38-yard interception 9:45
E – Austin Brown 8-yard pass from Ian Hayden 7:23
E – Austin Brown 45-yard pass from Ian Hayden 6:23
F – Domorre Hill 23-yard pass from Brian Uliana 0:00
3rd Quarter
F – Gary Moritz recovers blocked punt in the end zone 7:08
4th Quarter
E – Austin Brown 2-yard run 9:23
F Brian Uliana 3-yard run 6:52
