Section Two of the Berks Football League and the District Three AA bracket have been dominated by Wyomissing and Berks Catholic over the past three seasons. A PIAA championship by Wyomissing in 2012 and District Three titles by both teams the last three years have fueled a rivalry currently unmatched in Berks County.
A huge crowd turned out in Reading Friday Night to see these teams, separated by only a mile and a half, battle for County, District and State supremacy. After a hard fought battle, Wyomissing prevailed in a clash of unbeatens 34-28 over Berks Catholic. The victory by Wyomissing gives the Spartans the Berks League Sections Two Title and possession of the Keeley-Wolfum Trophy for the the winner of the “Backyard Brawl”.
Senior Chris Martir led the way for the Spartans. Martir ran for 146 yards, two touchdowns and made a key second half interception that led to a Wyomissing score.
Colin Smith also scored two touchdowns for Wyomissing and played a key role on defense. Legendary Wyomissing Head Coach Bob Wolfrum had praise for both players. “Chris makes plays when nothing is there. He is a really good running back.” As for Smith Coach said, “Smith had a heck of a game on both sides of the ball. He did a great job tonight.” Coach Wolfrum felt the turning point of the game was the interception by Martir going into quarter four. It led to a two-score Wyomissing advantage, one they would never relinquish.
Wyomissing took the opening kick and moved the ball steadily down the field. An 80 yard opening drive had the final 40 from Chris Martir. It was 7-0 Spartans at the 8:28 mark of the first.
Berks Catholic answered right back. Isaac Lutz capped a 65-yard drive with a three-yard run. It was 7-7 with 5:05 left in quarter one. Wyomissing’s next drive ended with a Chris Martir TD. It was 14-7 as the first quarter ended.
Special teams play a huge role in all games but most often when so much is at stake. An 89 yard punt return touchdown by Isaac Lutz of Berks Catholic tied the score at 14 midway through quarter two.
Wyomissing answered right back. The Spartans third 80 yard drive of the first half ended with a Colin Smith seven-yard run. It was 21-14 Wyomissing which is how the first half ended. The Spartans dominated with 266 first half yards to the Saints 86.
Berks Catholic came out fired up after halftime. The Saints took the kick and 
marched right down the field. Marcus Wilson’s seven-yard score made it 21-21 with 7:57 left in quarter three.
Wyomissing had answers all night for Berks Catholic. A dominant 66 yard effort ended with a Brandon Westbrook three yard touchdown. The Spartans took the lead for good at 28-21 with a minute to play in the third quarter.
Catholic moved the ball following the kick. But an interception by Wyomissing’s Chris Martir at the BC 39 proved to be the fatal blow in this game. The turnover led to a score and with 9:05 to play Wyomissing led 34-21(PAT failed).
BC never gave up. A big kick off return and touchdown by Isaac Lutz closed the gap to 34-28 with 4:34 left. BC had one last drive end with a turnover on downs, sealing a huge win for the Spartans.
Both teams move on to the District tournament. It would be a shocking development if they don’t face off again in three weeks for the District Three AA title.
2 Responses
Wyo is as good as advertised, that offense is unstoppable! BC could not slow them down. Rematch in 3 weeks, however, I think Wyo will represent the east this year.
Great coverage of a great game!