Lebo looks to rebound against Pine-Richland

Focus on the little things. After a loss to Upper St. Clair, 28-7, it’s the mantra of Mt. Lebanon in preparation of a Quad County Conference clash at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Pine-Richland.
“A few plays are the difference between victory and defeat,” Mike Melnyk said of the lessons Lebo learned from the loss to USC. “Attention to detail on every play is necessary.”
Hence, playing their hearts out will not help the Blue Devils defeat the Rams, who are ranked No. 2 in the state. The Blue Devils must eliminate the miscues that led to having two touchdowns called back due to penalties. Against USC, they also tossed three interceptions, one of which resulted in a pivotal score for the Panthers.
USC held Lebo to 175 total yards and one touchdown-a 1-yard plunge into the end zone by Seth Morgan. Casey Sorsdal kicked the extra point to tie the game, 7-7, with 5:56 left in the second stanza.
“Both defenses played their hearts out,” Melnyk said.
He pointed to two touchdowns called back on “tough” penalties, one which would have tied the game in the fourth quarter.
“Our kids played hard but we left some points out there which led to our defeat. USC was prepared and played hard also, but they did not do anything we weren’t prepared for.”
Lebo has its hands full preparing for the Rams.
“They don’t have any weaknesses,” Melnyk said. “We need to play a physical, focused game for an entire four quarters to win this game.”