Published: August 29, 2008 11:48 pm         

Late score lifts BW to win at Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, Pa. — The Mike Page era at Bishop Walsh began with a thrilling victory in the final minute as host Fairfield let a chance at a win slip right through its fingers — literally.

With the score tied 6-6, Bishop Walsh’s Mickey Burkett forced a fumble on a sack of the Fairfield quarterback, and the loose ball was recovered by Ryan Ross. A few plays later Dylan D’Atri crashed through the line to score the go-ahead touchdown and give the Spartans the win.

Fairfield had one more chance to tie the score and got a great run on a draw play, but the Spartans defense snuffed out the threat to secure the win.

BW had its early struggles under the first-year coach, even having trouble getting its big back going.

D’Atri was limited to just two yards on the ground during the first two quarters, although he had just four carries. He never really was able to get going, and finished with just 31 yards rushing.

After a scoreless first period, Jeff Adams finished off Fairfield’s best drive with a one-yard keeper with 7:39 on the clock in the second quarter.

The Spartans wouldn’t get on the board until the third quarter when Robbie Lehmann scored on a nine-yard end around. The kick failed and the score was knotted at 6-6.

The fourth quarter was looking much like the first until the last few minutes.

Trying to get one final score before the end of regulation, Fairfield took a risk of a turnover and paid for it on Burkett’s forced fumble.

The biggest play on the ensuing BW drive was when quarterback Jared Mathews found Myles Clifford on a catch that took the Spartans down to the five-yard line.

Two plays later the Spartans took the lead, and added the two-point conversion on a pass from Mathews to Lehmann.

The Spartans are idle until making their home debut on Sept. 13 against Clear Spring.