Leechburg was one play from ending its 16-game losing streak Saturday evening against Serra Catholic.
Midway through the third quarter, trailing by seven, Leechburg's Stephen Meidus recovered a fumble on the Blue Devils' 37. The Blue Devils put together a nine-play drive that ended at the Serra Catholic 8 with an interception.
"Turnovers hurt us," Leechburg coach Mark Jones said. "Right now, I am second-guessing myself big time. I took the game out of my players' hands. They played a great game."
Serra's ensuing drive proved costly to Leechburg. Quarterback Jordan Cleary marched the Eagles 92 yards for a touchdown with two seconds left in the third quarter to lead Serra to a 21-14 win.
"A lot of these kids are crying," Jones said. "They want it so bad. They are willing to put it all on the line, even their emotions."
Leechburg played with emotion all evening and started to gain some momentum in the third quarter and move the ball.
Devin McFall gave the Blue Devils an emotional lift when he picked off a Cleary pass on the Eagles' first play of the second half. The Blue Devils then went 37 yards to score the game-tying touchdown three plays later. Players on the Leechburg bench began to stir as they began to realize their first victory in two seasons was within reach.
On the Eagles' next possession, Meidus recovered a fumble to give Leechburg a shot at taking the lead. The Eagles' defense bent, but came up with a big play when Tommy Phillips threw one of his two interceptions.
Leechburg still had numerous opportunities in the second half to overtake the Eagles, but turned over the ball four times and missed a field goal attempt.
Sheldon Loughner, who caught three passes for 76 yards, made an outstanding diving catch in the back of the end zone for a 34-yard touchdown to give Leechburg's its first score. Loughner threw a pass to Meidus on an option play for a 53-yard touchdown.
Cleary threw for 153 yards and also ran for 102 and two touchdowns.
Each team committed four turnovers.
Leechburg will look to end its streak Friday against Duquesne.
