Addison Trail quiets Leyden

Updated: March 22, 2011 5:18PM

Addison Trail recorded a 20-7 win over Leyden Friday night, which all but

locked up a state playoff berth for the Blazers.

Both teams entered the regular-season finale in Northlake with 4-4

records, looking for a fifth win that could mean an at-large playoff spot.

Addison Trail entered Friday's game with 38 playoff points (based on

opponents' wins), meaning the Blazers are likely to find themselves in

postseason play when state playoff pairings are announced Saturday evening.

Addison Trail (5-4, 5-1) dominated the Eagles, offensively, outgaining

Leyden 336 to 109. The Blazers rushed for 250 total yards on 43 attempts,

while holding Leyden to just 48 yards on the ground on 26 tries.

The Blazers scored the only points of the first half on their second

offensive possession when Anthony Catanese (125 yards rushing on 13 carries)

broke loose up the middle for a 68-yard touchdown run with 3 minutes 29

seconds remaining in the first quarter. Carmelo DiFranco added the PAT for a

7-0 advantage.

In the third quarter, an interception by Leyden's Steve Travis gave the

Eagles the ball at the Addison Trail 33-yard line. From there, it took four

plays before Leyden quarterback Joey Difronzo found Andras Orrego open in

the end zone for a 19-yard TD pass with 5:24 left in the third period.

Krystian Chudoba added the PAT to tie the score at 7-7.

The Blazers took the lead for good when Anthony Messina (18 carries, 85

yards) broke loose up the middle for a 22-yard touchdown run with 5:42 left

in the game. The extra point by DiFranco made it 14-7.

Addison Trail added an insurance TD on a 2-yard run by Messina with 2:18

remaining. That score was set up by Vince Beltrano's interception of a pass

by Difronzo (6-for-20, 61 yards passing).

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