Bawating scores dramatic win over Saints (Updated)

With time expired and the Bawating Braves scrambling to get off the game's final play, Brad Beatty rushed on the field and nailed a 27 yard field goal to lift the Braves to victory.

The last second drama completed a 23-21 win for Bawating, who trailed by a touchdown with under two minutes remaining, over the St. Basil Saints in High School Football League senior division action on Saturday afternoon at Rocky DiPietro Field.

Bawating looked to be in control of the game early as Dan Vaz and Jon Turner hauled in six and two yard touchdown passes, respectively, from quarterback Mike Storozuk for a 14-0 lead.

But the Saints fought back in the dying minutes of the opening half as Tommy Reville scored on a 68 yard pass and run from quarterback Andrew Allen before Steve Fantin hooked up with Allen for a 69 yard strike to tie the game at 14-14.

Reville then gave the Saints the lead on the final play of the third quarter as the speedy receiver ran back a punt 81 yards for the major score.

Bawating's comeback began with 1:55 remaining when Tim Young scored on an 18 yard reception from Storozuk. The Braves went for the lead instead of the tie and missed the two point convert attempt to find themselves trailing 21-20.

With the Saints in possession, Bawating's defense turned the ball back over to their offense on downs at midfield with under a minute showing on the clock, giving the Braves the opportunity to run a few plays to set up Beatty's game winning field goal.

Vaz led the Braves rushing attack with 128 yards on 16 carries. Storozuk guided the Braves' stellar short passing game by completing 16 of 20 passes for 140 yards. Turner caught four passes for 43 yards while Young hauled in three balls for 30 yards and Vaz three for 18 yards.

Defensively, Bill Stone recorded seven tackles and Turner four. Kurtis MacDonald and Vaz recovered fumbles and Geoff Olar grabbed an interception.

For the Saints, who were held to 43 rushing yards, Allen completed eight of 13 passes for 214 yards. Fantin finished with three catches for 121 yards and Reville four for 88 yards.

Rob Amadio made 10.5 tackles and two sacks while Dion Marson added 10 tackles, Mike Wozny eight, Andrew Naphan 7.5, David Pozzebon 4.5 and Josh McFarlane four. Wozny, Amadio and Dan Buonomo each recovered a fumble.

No score or details have yet to be submitted for the junior division contest between the two schools on Saturday morning.