Huge 3rd Quarter Propels Pennridge over Academy Park

September 20, 2013

Sharon Hill, Pa.,  Pennridge  overcame a sluggish first half while Michael Class added another individual gem to his career as the all time best Ram rusher in their 28-13 conquest over previously undefeated Academy Park at Knight field Friday evening.

Knight field is the perfect setting for this Academy Park team. Nestled two couple miles from the Philadelphia airport, a plane flew directly overhead the stadium during their first drive and the speed they brought with the skill duo of Brian Ingram and Jerry Lanier seemed appropriate this night.

The high flying Knights came into the game averaging 40 points/game and it was apparent from the beginning that Pennridge was going to have to contend with Academy Park’s team speed. Both teams started their first possession with long sustained drives which ended in the red zone. The  Knights were eventually denied two touchdowns that were called back for penalties in the first quarter while Pennridge struggled on their own to even get possession in Knight territory in the second quarter. Academy Park finally got on the board with a sustained 10 play drive with the nifty running of senior Jerry Lanier and quarterback Brian Ingram. Ingram scored from 5 yards giving the Knights the only score of the first half.

Whatever Pennridge coach Jeff Hollenback told his team at halftime worked because the Rams scored two plays into the third quarter with Ryan Sterling’s 26 yard run and Class’s 27 yard touchdown giving the Rams a 7-6 advantage. The short lived Knight advantage became a major nightmare at the 26 second mark of the third stanza when Sterling scored twice within 10 seconds . The first on a five yard run and then a beautiful anticipation of a Knight screen pass and interception on the next play returning it 10 yards for another score.

Academy Park also played the second half without their do everything running back Lanier, who suffered bruised ribs. Ingram then pumped up a stuttering offense by running for 60 yards in three carries and the final a sizzling 32 yard TD making five Ram defenders miss and clawing the Knights to within a score. However the game was put out of reach when Class outran the entire Knight defense down the right sideline for a 53 yard score on the ensuing possession.

Pennridge stays unbeaten at 4-0 and begin conference play next week vs. CB West. Academy Park will desperately need their bye next week as Lanier recovers from his rib injury.

Notes: Class ended the game unofficially with 250 yards on 21 carries. He is the type of RB that gets better as the game goes on. He should be a nice acquisition for some Division 1 or 1AA program. Lanier is also one of the best backs in SEPA and should be considered by at least a 1AA candidate.  Academy Park should strongly contend for the District 1, AAA title.

Scoring by Quarter

1st Quarter

no scoring

2nd Quarter

AC- Brian Ingram- 5  run- (pass failed) – 2:23

3rd Quarter

PR- Michael Class- 27 run – (Jarret kick)- 11:07

PR- Ryan Sterling- 5  run- (Jarret kick)- :34

PR- Sterling- 10 interception return-(Jarret kick)- 24

4th Quarter

AC- Ingram- 32 run -(Doe kick)- 5;41

PR- Class- 53 run- (Jarret kick)- 3:52