West Deptford handed the Pirates their second straight loss in a tight battle on Friday night 14-6.
Cinnaminson falls to 5-2 on the year, while West Deptford moves to 7-0.
“We played great, we played physical, we matched up,” head coach Mario Patrizi said. “Our defense played awesome. We just couldn’t punch it in. We had a couple nice drives and that’s a credit to them.”
The Pirates got off to a roaring start when senior wideout Andrew Goshine took the opening kick 99 yards for a touchdown.A failed two-point conversion attempt gave the Pirates a 6-0 lead.
“We blocked it up. Ryan Bleistine had a great block,” Patrizi said. “Goshine hit the seam. He’s a fast kid. It kickstarted us right away.”
West Deptford would take the lead for good with 7:09 left in the second quarter when Gio Gismondi scored on a three yard touchdown run and extra point kick.
“We’re a good team. We’re a very good team,” Patrizi said.
“That’s why we put Collingswood and West Deptford on our schedule; to get ready for the playoffs. It was a physical game tonight. We’ll be right there.”
The Eagles led 7-6 at halftime and increased their lead to 14-6 on the opening drive of the second half on a Peter Orio one yard run and extra point kick.
Cinnaminson looked as if they pulled the game to within two points when Shaun Davilla rolled out and found Sean Harris in the end zone for a long touchdown pass.
The touchdown was called back on a late flag from the sideline official for offensive pass interference.
Take a look at the video below. The call was made against Pirates receiver Andrew Goshine, who was forced out of bounds on the play.
This incredible touchdown pass called back due to horrendous officiating. @CinnFootball @CinnAthletics pic.twitter.com/sfqrQq6e5p
— Cinn City News (@CinnCityNews) October 29, 2016
The Pirates eventually turned the ball over on downs and West Deptford took over.
The Eagles picked up two first downs on the ensuing drive, forcing the Pirates to spend the rest of their timeouts.
All West Deptford had to do was take a knee and the game would be over.
Instead, the Eagles elected to run the football and the Pirates defense forced and recovered a fumble at the Eagles 37.
“We just have to keep playing,” Patrizi said. “You can’t look at the negative. You have to look at the positive. The effort was unbelievable. We’re right there with them.”
One last-ditch Hail Mary fell incomplete in the end zone as the Eagles held on for the win.
Hail Mary falls incomplete. Pirates fall 14-6. Now 5-2. Host Bordentown next week. Story coming. @CinnAthletics @CinnFootball pic.twitter.com/qUydxsd4GL
— Cinn City News (@CinnCityNews) October 29, 2016
The Pirates return home on Friday, November 4 to host Liberty opponent Bordentown at 7pm.
“We will play Bordentown next week and hopefully host a first round playoff game and that’s what it’s all about,” Patrizi said.
A win Friday night clinches at least a share of the division title for the Pirates.
“We just have to keep practicing hard,” Patrizi said. “This time of year it’s hard, it’s a grind. These past two weeks we had two very physical football games.”
Scoring:
1st: Andrew Goshine 99 kick return (2pt conversion failed)
2nd: Gio Gismondi 3 run (Mike Bilodeau kick)
3rd: Peter Orio 1 run (Bilodeau kick)
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