Shafer’s Interception Seals Hart’s Victory Over Alemany

Hart High linebacker Shane Shafer intercepted a tipped pass at midfield with less than two minutes to play to end Alemany’s chance for revenge.

Shafer’s interception sealed a 14-7 nonleague victory for Hart at Valley College on Friday night, quite a different story from last year’s matchup, a 43-0 runaway by Hart.

“They came up really hyped up,” Hart quarterback Mike Kocicka said. “We struggled on offense throughout the game, but our defense was able to hold up.”

Kocicka, who completed 15 of 32 passes for 230 yards, connected with wide receiver Mark Mahone on a 21-yard pass play with about eight minutes remaining for the go-ahead touchdown.

Mahone finished with a team-high seven receptions for 97 yards. Wide receiver Cameron Perry had five catches for 42 yards for Hart (4-0).

After a scoreless first half, Hart defensive lineman Bryan Oksas recovered a fumble deep in Alemany territory on Alemany’s first possession of the second half. Kocicka scored on a one-yard sneak seven plays later.

Alemany’s David Astham returned the ensuing kickoff 60 yards to set up Alemany’s only score, a two-yard run by running back Danny Hargrave.

Alemany (2-2) appeared to get a break late in the first half, when Hart punt returner Jeremy Seipel muffed a return at the Hart 17-yard line, but three plays later, Hart linebacker Mark Zimmerman intercepted a pass by Rudy Pantoja and returned it 40 yards.