ICYMI: Fortunato’s Lucky Catch Seals Green’s Comeback Victory Over Jackson
Bulldogs Rally in Final Seconds with a Wild Touchdown, Defense Shines in Key Win
FINAL | Green (4-1, 2-0) 21, Jackson (2-3, 1-1) 17
Everything fell into place for the Bulldogs last Friday in a win against Federal League opponent Jackson. A seemingly immaculate share amongst all offensive talent, two interceptions and solid pass coverage, and a game-winning drive all came together within the 48 minutes of regulation.
Green’s defensive line, led by seniors Nolan McKendry and Cam White, kept pressure on Jackson junior QB Lucas Ecrement. The Polar Bears were limited to only five completions, where they only gained 46 total passing yards.
Senior running back Foster Stanley rushed for a 3-yard touchdown on his sixth consecutive carry to give the Polar Bears the advantage late.
Kristian Satterfield dealt with an issue related to his shoulder, but returned to the game for Jackson's next possession and finished with 23 carries for 78 yards.
On the Bulldog side of things, junior Tyson Hunka had one of his best games to date. The junior went 16-for-30 on passing attempts; he had 181 total passing yards and three touchdowns.
Jackson’s standout senior receiver, Noah Colando, was limited to just two receptions on five targets. Lining up across from him was Green senior Antonio Martin, who had only played on offense and special teams against Hoover until the final drive. Few would have predicted Martin stepping up as Green's primary defensive back, especially after limited defensive reps in Week 4. However, he made a game-sealing play with an interception during Jackson’s last drive; Martin also had four receptions for 51 receiving yards.
Green junior running back Evan Reed caught a pass and took it down the field 34 yards for a touchdown at the end of the third quarter.
The Bulldogs took a drive with 2:26 left down the field for a score. A facemask penalty and clutch receptions from senior Kaden Gregory and junior Evan Georgiou drove head Coach Mark Geis’s squad within the ten yard line.
The offensive line, anchored by the previously mentioned Nolan McKendry kept Hunka clean throughout the uphill climb.
Hunka, who was able to pick up a first & goal with his feet after after Gregory’s catch, was also shocked.
“That’s just all God. I mean we can’t do anything about that. That’s just complete luck, praise; I mean that’s unbelievable.” Hunka said.
Green was down until under 30 seconds left, where a catch went awry off of Evan Reed‘s chest in the endzone; the ball fell into the hands of a promptly open Anthony Fortunato, who was credited for the touchdown.
“I just knew I had to make a play at the end of the game like that. You know, we were down. We needed a touchdown. The ball’s coming my way, I catch it.” Fortunato said.
His presence wasn’t just felt on offense, though. He had a forced fumble at cornerback in the fourth quarter; it didn’t end up in the Bulldogs’ hands, but it was a setback for the Polar Bears.
“If we didn’t have Antonio I think everyone would be talking about Anthony, because he’s one of the better corners that I’ve seen. He’s very physical. He caused a fumble on one of his hits at corner, and obviously came up with a big play in a big moment. Great kid, great player, lucky to have him.” Geis said about Anthony.
Green will look forward to a penalty-ridden McKinley Bulldogs this Friday at home, while Jackson will face an up and down Perry team.
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