Dawgs start fast in route to 36-0 win over Seals
By Frank Kastreva, Berwickdawgs.com
BERWICK- It could have been a game that the Dawgs had a bit of a letdown after the huge win over Valley West last week. Selinsgrove pretty much put those worries to rest for the Dawgs after fumbling on their second play from scrimmage, in which the Dawgs turned into paydirt. Then fumbling away the ensuing kickoff, in which the Dawgs again found the goldzone. Then on their third play from scrimmage and interception, in which again Berwick turned into points with a 25 yard TD return. With only three plays ran from scrimmage for the Seals they already found themselves down 22-0 against a very good Berwick team, which spelled trouble for the Seals.
Sr. LB AJ Vandermark was the first to score for the Dawgs on a fumble recovered in the air and returned 11 yards to paydirt. Sr. RB Dain Kowalski capped a short three play drive on a 14 yard scamper after the Seals fumbled on the kickoff. Sr. Tanner Weaver returned the next turnover in the form of a 25 yard interception return and with just over five minutes played Berwick held the 22-0 lead.
The Dawgs would find the scoreboard later in the 2nd quarter with Kowalski capping a five play 75 yard scoring drive on a 13 yard scamper. Jr. K Olivia Seely nailed the PAT, with the score Dawgs 29, Seals 0.
Berwick’s next score came in the form of a QB keeper by Sr. CJ Curry capping a five play 65 yard scoring drive. Seely, again nailed the PAT, with the score Dawgs 36, Seals 0.
The second half would start in the mercy rule, with a continuous clock running except for turnover on downs and any scoring that may occur.
As for scoring in the second half, there simple was none and with the clock moving continuously the Dawgs could salt the win away rather quickly, with the final score Dawgs 36, Seals 0.
Berwick’s win did come with a cost tonight as Jr. RB Nate Maczuga was lost for the season with a broken arm on just his second carry of the game.
The Dawgs would finish with a total of 386 yards compared to the Seals 183 total yards. Berwick would rush for 278 total yards on 48 carries, with the bulk of the load coming from Kowalski whom finished up with 107 yards on 12 carries, all of which came in the 1st half. Also cashing in on the ground game was Curry with 16 yards, Maczuga with 3 yards, Sr. FB Jordan Stout with 62 yards, Jr. Nick Talanca with 52 yards and So. Daquan Hellenthal with 22 yards. Curry would finish up with seven completions on 10 attempts for 108 yards passing.
Berwick tallied 22 first downs to Selinsgrove’s 12. The Seals would finish with 152 yards rushing on 35 carries and just 31 yards via the air.
“We got off to a fast start tonight, but we still had some missed opportunities. I can’t say I was really pleased with the protection in our passing game, but we will take the win and move on,” said Coach Curry in his postgame interview.
With the win, Berwick moves to 5-0 and will hit the road the next two weeks as the Dawgs travel to Tunkhannock and then Williamsport.
Until then Happy Football!
Stats compiled by Chris Dawe.
