RECAP: Easton Area Strikes on Final Play to Stun Bethlehem Catholic, 20-14

Easton saved its biggest play for the final moment Saturday night.

After watching a 14-point first-half advantage disappear, the Red Rovers responded when it mattered most, as quarterback Zahviay McGurn connected with Justin Cosover for a three-yard touchdown on the final play to lift Easton to a dramatic 20-14 victory over Bethlehem Catholic.

The win improved Easton to 2-2, while Bethlehem Catholic suffered its first loss and fell to 3-1.

Easton established control early behind its running game. Jeffrey Thomas opened the scoring with a two-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, and Greyson Baker’s extra point put the Red Rovers ahead 7-0.

The lead grew to 14-0 in the second quarter when Colby Oraschin scored on a four-yard run and Baker converted the extra point.

Bethlehem Catholic answered before halftime. Justin Martinez scored from three yards out, followed by Evan Schultz’s extra point, cutting Easton’s lead to 14-7.

The Golden Hawks completed their comeback in the third quarter.

Martinez found the end zone for the second time, scoring on a one-yard run. Schultz’s extra point tied the game at 14-14 and set up a fourth-quarter battle with neither team able to create separation until the final seconds.

That’s when Easton’s offense delivered.

McGurn directed the Red Rovers down the field before finding Cosover for the three-yard game-winning touchdown. The score gave Easton a 20-14 advantage and ended the game in walk-off fashion.

McGurn made an impact with both his arm and legs. He completed 11 of 24 passes for 144 yards and the game-winning touchdown without throwing an interception. He also rushed 12 times for 76 yards.

Thomas carried much of the workload for Easton’s ground attack, rushing 23 times for 91  yards and a touchdown.

Sean McPeek led Easton’s receiving corps with four catches for 63 yards. Cosover caught four passes for 28 yards, including the game-winning touchdown, while Amin Fideen contributed a 27-yard reception.

Bethlehem Catholic quarterback Axel Burkart gave Easton’s defense problems in multiple ways. Burkart completed 11 of 30 passes for 177 yards and rushed eight times for a game-high 124 yards. The Red Rovers intercepted him once.

Martinez accounted for both Bethlehem Catholic touchdowns, finishing with 55 yards and two scores on 13 carries.

Tyre Lewis and Ronnie Brodie were Bethlehem Catholic’s leading receivers. Both finished with 71 yards, with Lewis catching four passes and Brodie three.

Easton built the early lead, Bethlehem Catholic fought all the way back, but the Red Rovers had the final answer. McGurn’s touchdown pass to Cosover on the game’s last play provided a memorable finish and sent Easton home with a thrilling 20-14 victory.

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