CoGo's Feature Matchup: Plum at Penn-Trafford

The Warriors are coming off an impressive win against Shaler in a non-conference bout. Penn Trafford dominated the game offensively and defensively, as they scored on both sides of the ball in a 63-3 victory.

Quarterback Brett Laffoon threw for 149 yards and a touchdown while running back/defensive back Jonah Lisbon ran in a 48-yard touchdown and returned an interception to the house as well.

The Warriors are quickly becoming the favorite for the Quad-A season title, as they boast a 7-0 record with impressive wins over conference foes.

Penn-Trafford has evolved in the past five seasons under head coach John Ruane. Previously, the team had accumulated a culture of losing. Ruane changed that culture upon his arrival in 2010, and the Warriors have become a mainstay atop the conference standings, making the playoffs in the majority of his first five seasons.

This season is improving upon the standards of teams in previous years, as Penn-Trafford is made up of primarily upperclassmen, including leadership in important positions on the field.

Meanwhile, Plum—under the guidance of former Mustang, Pitt and NFL offensive lineman Matt Morgan—has improved immensely from the 2013 squad that won only one game. After a change of conference and added experience on offense, the Mustangs have a 4-3 overall record and are two games over the .500 mark in conference.

The Mustangs only win last season ended a 25-game losing streak that had stretched over the last several seasons.

Led by quarterback Will Fuhrer, Plum’s physical brand of football has surprised several teams who were expecting the Mustangs to air it out with their returning starters at quarterback and wide receiver.

In their last game, Plum lost to fifth-ranked McKeesport in a 20-3 defensive struggle. The Mustangs struggled to put points on the board against a strong McKeesport defense, and they will face another strong front line this Friday against the Warriors.

In order to ensure their undefeated streak continues, Penn-Trafford will have to win the line of scrimmage to create holes for running back Devin Austin and have enough protection for Laffoon, who is on pace for another successful season.

Penn Trafford looks to take another step towards a conference title Friday night at 7:30 at Warrior Stadium.

2014 SCHEDULE
Aug. 29 Quaker Valley 25 - Keystone Oaks 19
Sept. 5 Knoch 19 - Greensburg Salem 14
Sept. 12 Chartiers-Houston 21 - Western Beaver 14
Sept. 19 Franklin Regional 34 - Indiana 20
Sept. 26 Washington 34 - Mount Pleasant 15
Oct. 3 Mars 36 - Gateway 7
Oct. 10 South Park 40 - Carlynton 12
Oct. 17 Plum at Penn Trafford
Oct. 24 Bethel Park at Baldwin

Tonight’s game is the Pittsburgh Sports Report and CoGo's Feature Matchup. Students and fans, be sure to take plenty of pictures and Tweet them to @PghSportsReport #PT. The best photos will appear online after the game!

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