Freedom’s Jared O’Donnell pick was the difference in a 14-7 win over ACC

Written by: David Mika on Sunday, September 8th, 2013. Follow David Mika on Twitter.

ALLENTOWN – With the game tied at seven, Freedom’s Jared O’Donnell pulled down a second interception early in the fourth quarter. This was the difference in a 14-7 win over Allentown Central Catholic (1-1) Saturday night at J. Birney Crum Stadium.

After a scoreless first quarter, Freedom (1-1) had one total drive in the quarter to the Vikings three.

The Vikings broke the scoreless tie in the second quarter when quarterback Mason Kholl hit Jack Nosovtich for an 12-yard touchdown pass. Robbie Fidati’s kick was good and the Vikings led 7-0. The drive was setup by a nice punt return by Ryan Beville to the Freedom 32.

Allentown Central Catholic took the 7-0 lead into halftime.

In the second half the Patriots defense was the story, holding the Vikings to 47 total yards of offense and forcing key turnovers. “Our defensive coordinator Greg Moore and the defensive staff did a amazing job coming in here,” said Freedom’s head football coach Jason Roeder. “Our kids responded to a challenge at halftime. Obviously that was not a pretty effort tonight. But it was a gutsy effort.”

On the Vikings first play of the second half Freedom’s Bryant Connor stripped the ball out of Patrick Taylor’s hands and recovered the Vikings fumble on their 40.

Freedom would tie the game up at seven with an six-play drive that was capped off by a Jonah Gundrum 35-yard touchdown pass to Kylon Pretty with 6:45 remaining in the third quarter. Johah was 3-for-3 for 49 yards during the drive.

Freedom’s offense pounded the ball the second half and seemed to wear down the Vikings defense with the hard running of Roberto Diez. He was a workhorse for the Patriot’s, carrying the ball 19-times for 89 yards in the second half.

With 9:43 remaining in the game Jared O’Donnell iced the game with his second pick of the game. He went 37-yards into the end zone for the game winning interception. “He was one of those senior leaders that stepped up for us tonight on a very young team. He is a tough kid and battled through cramps tonight.”

The Vikings Kenny Cuevas recovered a fumble with 1:36 remaining in the game. But four straight incomplete passes by Mason alowed Freedom to take over at the Vikings 37.

Freedom was forced to punt late, but time ran out for the Vikings night.

NOTE: Both teams combined for seven turnovers. Allentown Central Catholic had four total turnovers (3 interceptions and one fumble). Freedom had three total turnovers (2 interceptions and one fumble.) “We stressed to the team early in the week to go after the football. I think we did a good job tonight,” said Roeder. “We need to work on cutting down our turnovers. We’ve had to many turnovers the first two weeks.”