FOOTBALL: Lancaster Catholic rides big 3rd quarter past Lebanon

LANCASTER >> A win is a win, and it was an important one for Lancaster Catholic on its Homecoming night.

The Crusaders beat Lebanon 41-27 in a Lancaster-Lebanon League Section Two match-up on Friday night behind three touchdowns from Quincy Clark and a defense that forced five turnovers.

Quarterback Bryan Downey added two touchdowns on the ground, as well as picking off two passes while on defense for Lancaster Catholic (3-4, 2-2 Section Two).

Lebanon (1-6, 0-4 Section Two) out-gained the Crusaders 425 yards to 350 on offense, but costly turnovers proved the difference.

"It wasn't always pretty, but we played tough when we needed to," Lancaster Catholic coach Bruce Harbach said.

TURNING POINT >> Holding a 27-20 lead late in the third quarter, Lancaster Catholic defensive lineman Peyton Snopek picked off a desperation throw by Lebanon's Cody Kissinger as he was about to be sacked. Snopek returned it 16 yards for the touchdown and gave the Crusaders needed breathing room.

STAR OF THE GAME >> Quincy Clark rushed for 144 yards and three touchdowns in the Crusaders' win.

QUOTE OF THE NIGHT >> Crusaders coach Harbach on the difference in team play between the first and second half: "There were some choice words at halftime, but the boys responded and played a good second half."

KEY STATISTIC >> The Crusaders' defense forced five turnovers, and certainly at opportune times. None were bigger than Snopek's interception return for a touchdown.

FOR LEBANON >> Daniel Caricabeur scored a pair of touchdowns, one on a 46-yard run and the other on an 85-yard kickoff return to end the scoring. Kissinger ran for a touchdown and threw a 52-yard scoring pass to Jeremiah Beckley. The Cedars led 20-13 at halftime.

UP NEXT >> Lancaster Catholic travels to Lampeter-Strasburg, while Lebanon plays at Garden Spot.

Lancaster Catholic 41

Lebanon 27

Lebanon71307—27Lanc. Cath.130217—41

First Quarter

LC — Clark 1 run (kick failed)

Leb — Kissinger 1 run (Cortes-Cruz kick)

LC — Downey 1 run (Corrigan kick)

Second Quarter

Leb — Beckley 52 pass from Kissinger (kick failed)

Leb — Caricabeur 46 run (Cortes-Cruz kick)

Third Quarter

LC — Downey 5 run (Corrigan kick)

LC — Clark 8 run (Corrigan kick)

LC — Snopek 16 interception return (Corrigan kick)

Fourth Quarter

LC — Clark 3 run (Corrigan kick)

Leb — Caricabeur 85 kickoff return (Cortes-Cruz kick)

LebLCFirst downs2017Rushes-yards32-14848-287Passing22-38-34-6-0Passing yards27763Total yards325340Punts1-21.02-38.5Fumbles-lost4-22-2Penalties-yards7-566-45