Photo/KRISTIN MAZGAJ SHADYSIDE’S Grant Miller looks for running room after making a catch during Friday’s game against Brownsville, Pa. at Fleming Field. The Tigers picked up a 40-6 victory.

SHADYSIDE — The Shadyside football team was hungry for a win and it tasted victory for the first time in the 2022 season on Friday night at Fleming Field.

The Tigers mauled the visiting Brownsville Falcons, 40-6, before ringing the victory bell near the sound end zone for the first time this year and drenching interim coach Mike Kernik with Gatorade.

“I wasn’t ready for that,” Kernik said with a smile. “It’s cold and I’m freezing but it sure was fun though. This is very special because of how hard these kids have worked and all the adversity they have gone through. They keep fighting and pulling together. I’m so happy for them and I couldn’t be more proud. Hearing the locker room like this and getting to ring that victory bell — they couldn’t wait to do it and that’s what it’s all about.”

Defense really set the tone for Shadyside as it allowed just 27 total yards in the first half on two first downs.

Dylan Booth led the defensive unit with a pair of interceptions in the contest.

“Our defense was flying to the ball,” Kernik said. “All 11 guys were attacking the ball and when you do that, that’s the result you get.”

The defense also set up the first score of the game for the Tigers as Josh Harris recovered a fumble at Brownsville’s 34 yard line and junior quarterback Ben Wach showed off the wheels with a play-action rollout for a 5-yard touchdown run to put his squad on top 6-0.

“On that play I just had to trust my line, trust the fake and hope everybody bites,” Wach said. “I give the credit to the line for what they were able to do there.”

The Tigers put their foot on the gas in the second quarter as they outscored the Falcons 27-0.

Wach found Elijah Brock, who made a sliding catch in the end zone for an 11-yard score to create a 13-0 Shadyside cushion.

Moments later, Colton Gorby pounced on a loose ball to give the Tigers possession at Brownsville’s 3 and Grant Miller could not be denied on a 3-yard TD jaunt around the end for a 20-0 advantage.

Wach found a wide open Brock for a 22-yard score, which was set up by Booth’s first pick.

Finally, Wach made the throw of the game as he ran toward the sideline and threw a dart to the end zone where Miller secured the ball and drug his feet in bounds for the catch of the night and an 8-yard touchdown to give the Tigers a 33-0 halftime lead.

“I just have to give credit to the line for giving me time to do all that and trusting my receivers,” Wach said. “I know they can make great plays and it feels great to give coach Kernik his first win.”

The Wach and Miller connection continued in the second half as the duo hooked up from 5 yards out to go ahead 40-0 with 4:43 to go in the third.

Brownsville’s Harlan Davis capped a 71-yard rushing performance with a 9-yard TD run in the fourth and the team’s only score of the night.

All told, Wach finished with 232 yards on 16 of 21 passing and four touchdowns, while rushing for 26 yards and another score.

“One of Benny’s best qualities is his leadership,” Kernik said. “He stays so calm out there. He’s just nice and steady and that’s what makes him so great.”

Brock charted 90 yards receiving and two TDs, while Miller had 23 yards, two TD receptions and a rushing touchdown.

Cole Micker also caught a trio of passes for 90 yards.