Takeaways: Terrier passing attack stifled by Pittsford defense in 48-8 final

LITCHFIELD — Pittsford ran away with a win in our Week 4 Game of the Week between the Wildcats and the Litchfield varsity football team.

The 48-8 road win keeps the Wildcats undefeated at 4-0 for one more week. Litchfield fell to 2-2 overall on the year.

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There was no doubt that Pittsford would put points on the board, and they did so in spades. The biggest test the Wildcats had entering the game was to stop the potent and dangerous Terrier passing attack, led by senior quarterback Tyler Bills.

Not only did the Wildcats shut down Bills for most of the game, but the defense also had opportunities to put their own points on the board Friday night. These are our biggest takeaways for each team after the 48-8 final in Litchfield.

Pittsford's defense can be just as dangerous as their offense

It wouldn't be a shocker to note that the Pittsford defense had a great game. However, they did more than that. It was the kind of impactful performance that senior quarterback Gavyn Carden was expecting to happen at some point this season.

"Honestly, I knew our defense was good, but they've been improving every week," said Carden. "We were getting pressure on almost every snap. I was really impressed with the secondary. This was the first test we've had as a secondary. No one else has thrown the ball and I think we did well."

Pittsford held the Terriers to a net total of three rushing yards. The secondary played every deep ball manned up with Litchfield's receivers. The result was only 94 total yards through the air, with the majority of those yards coming on two big plays, including the only touchdown of the night for the Terriers in the fourth quarter.

Teagan Williams had four tackles and one interception for the Wildcats. Williams nearly broke away for a touchdown after his interception, gaining a total of 47 yards on the return. Dyrk Hensley also snagged a Terrier pass for an interception. Hensley had 10 net yards on the return.

The Pittsford defensive linemen gave the Terriers fits all night. Defensive end Lane Lewis had five tackles. Landon Governo had three tackles. The Wildcats had six total sacks on the night: three from Ryan Evener, two from Carden and one from Preston McVay. Jake Drawe led the team with six tackles and had multiple pass break ups and one sack assist.

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The Wildcat offense was just as dangerous during the first and second half of the game. Carden led the Terriers in rushing and passing. Carden had 67 rushing yards and two touchdowns, scoring from 39 yards and one yard out.

In the air, the senior QB went 8-for-12 for 185 yards and three touchdowns. Bryce Williams led the team with three receptions. He had a total of 56 yards and nearly broke away for a receiving touchdown. Legend Gore had 67 yards on two catches and one touchdown. Hensely had two receptions for 57 yards and one touchdown. Drawe had one 14-yard touchdown reception.

Rushing leaders included Gore with 67 and a touchdown and Anthony Governo with 49 yards and a touchdown.

Carden says that the Wildcats simply just kept doing what they have been improving upon all season long.

"Offensively, we just did our thing," said Carden.

The only critiques from the night came at the end of the first half and in the second half of the game. The Wildcats missed on a couple red zone opportunities and allowed a few penalties to kill drives and extend the life of Terrier possessions.

"There was a lot of penalties on our end," said Carden. "I think that was mostly mental."

There were a few fumbles offensively for the Wildcats, but they would only lose one to the Terriers.

Terrier flashes of potential overshadowed by turnovers and miscues on defense

There were times when the Terrier defense was caught flatfooted but managed to keep the Wildcats out of the end zone. However, turnovers and miscues gave the Wildcats short field to work with on multiple occasions. Those in turn led to easy possessions for the Wildcats.

On the night, the Terrier offense was overwhelmed by a fast and stingy Pittsford defense. The two turnovers proved costly for the Terriers, and five penalties would negate crucial opportunities. The longest Pittsford touchdown of the night came from 39 yards out.

Offensively, the team failed to convert on 10 fourth down conversions and 10 third down conversions.

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Despite the lack of production offensively, the Terriers showed flashes of potential on two passing plays. The first was a deep shot to senior receiver Brandon Campbell from Tyler Bills. The acrobatic diving reception brought some life to the Terrier offense but failed to turn into points. The second big play of the night was a Tyler Bills pass to Miguel Pedroza for a 21-yard touchdown.

On defense, senior linebacker Junior Alvarez set a new school record for career tackles. Alvarez has been a consistent threat on defense, and he helped hold Pittsford to just two successful third down conversions on the night.

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Up Next

Litchfield heads from one dangerous matchup to another in Week 5. The 2-2 Terriers travel to Colon to face the 2-2 Magi. The Magi earn their second win of the season with a 65-6 win over Burr Oak. The game will be played on a Saturday at 12 p.m.

Coach Mike Burger and Pittsford prep for another East-Division and county showdown at home when they welcome in Waldron. Waldron is 2-2 on the season after being dominated by an undefeated Lenawee Christian team in Week 4. The game starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22.

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This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Pittsford proves defense is just as dangerous as their offense in 48-8 win over Litchfield