Berlin Has No Answer For Platt

Two plays into their game Friday night, Berlin running back Justin Gombotz ran 48 yards for a touchdown. Many thought it would be another Redcoat blowout as Berlin entered the game 7-0.

But Platt came from behind and dominated both lines of scrimmage in handing Berlin its first loss of the season 34-14.

Platt senior running back Justin Potts scored later in the first quarter to close the gap to 7-6. The Redcoats scored less than three minutes later when quarterback Mitch Williams hit big tight end Tyler Bouchard for a 10-yard touchdown pass for a 14-6 lead after one period.

At that point, it would be hard to think that Berlin would not score again but that would be the case.

Potts and junior quarterback Andrew McBride carved up the Berlin defense in the second quarter. Potts scored on a 27-yard touchdown and a two-yard run and then added the conversion run to give the visiting Panthers a 20-14 lead t halftime.

Berlin almost scored just before the half. Kyle Young stripped McBride and ran it back to the Platt 20-yard line with 29 seconds left. But the Redcoats could not capitalize.

In the second half, Berlin could rush the ball effectively at times but its pass game was ineffective.

McBride ran the show for Platt from the quarterback position. His fakes and draws gave the Redcoats constant trouble. He outran the Berlin defense for a 54-yard touchdown and then added the conversion to give Platt a 28-14 lead.

Platt looked to add to the score but the Berlin defense rose up and stopped the Panthers on four downs from inside the 10-yard line.

McBride scored on a 6-yard run with 3:01 left to give Platt its final 34-14 margin. 

Berlin falls to 7-1 with its first loss while Platt improves to 6-2. The win helped Platt moved to the 9th spot in the Class L playoff standings. Berlin was ranked second in Class M coming into the game but fell to fourth with the loss.