Chad Breidinger

Shamokin: In a tail of two halves, Selinsgrove (14-0) scores 21 unanswered 2nd half points breaking a 10-10 halftime tie to advance to the Eastern 3A finals.

The Seals were able to put the ball in the air and capitalize on great field position especially in the 2nd half. Harvard-bound QB Cory Briggs was 17/29 for 229-yards and 2TD’s.

The game was filled with penalties and turnovers often times halting deep drives by both teams. There were a total of 8 turnovers. ACC (12-2) had 5 (3 fumbles and 2 INT’s) with the Seals at 3 (1 fumble and 2 INT’s).

The first half was running by ACC and passing by Selinsgrove. ACC Sophomore QB Brendan Nosovitch rushed for 133-yards in the first half. He was the only runner that the Seals couldn’t stop that is until the 2nd half where he had only 10-yards. His first run in the 2nd half of 19-yards put him over 1,000 yards rushing for the year. He is only the 2nd player in state history to pass for 2,000 yards and run for 1,000-yards in one season. The other District 11 player was Liberty’s Dan Persa.

Selinsgrove’s defense held the Viking’s to just 40 total yards in the 2nd half often sacking the QB while they began to get their running game going which was non existent in the 1st half.

ACC was unable to get their passing game on track all game which has been their bread and butter as of late. In fact, both teams excelled at what they didn’t in last week’s contests.

The seals 2nd half TD’s came on a 4-yard run by Kyle Reinard, a 3-yard run by Bryant Trautman, and a 4th quarter 3-yard pass by Matt Ruby. Their 1st quarter score was a 14-yard pass to Ryan Keiser.

ACC opened the scoring on their first drive of the night with a Nosovitch 6-yard TD. Each team added a FG in the 1st half as well.

Next week Selinsgrove will play Archbishop Wood in a rematch from last years Eastern Final game.

Bethlehem: Allentown Central Catholic (12-1) threw the ball around and over Abington Heights (11-2) en route to a win and advance to the 2nd round of the PIAA state playoffs.

Once again it was super sophomore QB Brendan Nosovitch who directed his team down the field. Nosovitch was 13/23 for 191-yards and 3 scores. He also rushed 20 times for 56-yards against a stingy Comet’s run defense.

On ACC’s first drive of the game, Nosovitch put his team on his back completing 4/4 passes for 77-yards with his last completion being a 24-yard TD strike to Jack Sandherr.

A few series later it again was Nosovitch at work this time hitting Shane McNeely for the 10-yard score.

ACC took a 14-0 halftime lead.

To start the 2nd half and after a nice KOR, the Vikings went 47-yards in 9 plays with Nosvitch hitting Kevin Mckellock for the 14-yard TD to put the Viking’s up 21-0.

Although Abington Heights was unable to be consistent with their running game, they would finally get on the board with a 60-yard TD run by speedster James Fruehan.

On the ensuing kickoff, ACC’s Kevin Gulyas returned the kick 80-yards to the house to put the Viking’s back up by 3 scores.

The Comets would get on the board one last time thanks to a dropped punt return by ACC’s Gallagher at his own 23-yard line. The result was Mike Bemish to Morgan Craig for the 6-yard TD pass.

The Viking’s were able to contain the larger and much hyped Abington Heights running game led by Juniors Paul Gallagher and James Fruehan. ACC constantly had 8 or 9 men in the box often sacking or pressuring the QB and forcing the Comets to throw.

Next week ACC will meet (13-0) Selinsgrove who was a 35-3 winner over Greater Johnstown.

Allentown: Allentown Central Catholic Sophomores, QB Brendan Nosovitch and WR Kevin Gulyas were unstoppable tonight as the Viking’s created their own “Air Raid” in blowing out Colonial League champions Wilson (Easton) en route to the D11 3A championship.

This was the ACC’s first title since 2003. Wilson was the 3A champion last year.

Nosovitch amassed 371 total yards ( 285-yards passing and 86-yards rushing) while taking part in 6 of the 7 ACC TD’s (4 passing and 2 rushing). His main target tonight, Kevin Gulyas, had 6 receptions for 215-yards and 3TD’s.

Wilson and Maryland-bound QB Tyler Smith threw for 277-yards breaking the D11 single season (3,128) and career passing records (8,033) to go with 87 career TD’s. Ironically, he broke former Warrior QB DJ Lenehan’s records.

The end of the first quarter was 7-0 in favor of ACC with Nosovitch taking it in from the 7-yard line.

ACC would jump out to a 14-0 lead on another Nosovitch run from 6-yards out.

Wilson would finally get on the board in the 2nd quarter with a 22-yard TD pass from Smith to Kowan Scott cutting the lead to 14-7.

With seconds left in the 1st half, Nosovitch hit TE Shane McNeely for a 46-yard score. 21-7 at the half.

In the 2nd half ACC was looking to put the game away early and did so with an 80-yard TD strike to Gulyas on 3rd and 7 at their own 20-yard line. 28-7.

The rest of the second half both ACC and Wilson would trade touchdowns until the final gun sounded with ACC claiming gold in a 49-21 win.

ACC will play the winner of Abington Heights/Dallas at BASD next Friday at 7:00pm.

The whole theme behind Easton’s game plan was slow up Darius Webb and we can win. Well that is exactly what they did. Webb still managed 159 yards rushing on 29 carries but was not able to break the big play as he has done all season. He was also limited to a 1-yard TD run.

This game not only had LVC title implications on the line but also District 11 playoff positioning.

Easton was able to move the ball through the air which is something they have been missing in earlier weeks.

The game started out sloppy for both teams as each fumbled the ball away on their opening possessions.

On Easton’s second series the Red Rovers were able to get on the board with a 3-yard TD pass to TE Justin Souders. The drive was aided by a Quran Hughes 31-yard run.

The rest of the half was punt after punt for both teams with Easton leading 7-0 at the break.

Early in the 3rd quarter and behind the running of Webb, Freedom was able to get on the board with a 33-yard FG to cut the lead to 7-3. After Webb ran down the field he was shaken up at the 16-yard line after a strong run. He came out for the rest of the series and Freedom was not able to move the ball forcing the FG attempt.

The next series Easton attempted to fake the punt to no avail. There was a 5-yard loss leaving the Patriots to take over on it’s own 36-yard line.

On 4th and inches Webb took it in to give Freedom the lead 14-7.

Late in the 4th quarter Easton drove the ball down the field while converting on 3rd and 4th downs. They eventually took the lead on a 4th and 1-yard TD run by Hughes. Easton back up 14-10.

Freedom had one last chance with about 1:30 left in the game. They did move the ball down the field but a Patrick Murphy INT off a tipped pass at the 26-yard line sealed the game and moved Easton into a tie with ACC in LVC play with 1 loss each.

Next week (6-1) Easton hosts (3-4) Northampton while (5-2) Freedom takes on (3-4) Bethlehem Catholic.

The Easton Red Rover’s defense held Parkland without a first down for nearly 3 quarters. The last was on the first drive of the 2nd quarter in route to a 14-3 win. Parkland could not get anything going especially in the 2nd half and did not complete a pass the whole game.

Tonight Easton avenged last years 26-0 shut out with stellar defensive line play led by DT David Caldwell, inspiring running by Quran Hughes, and overall enthusiastic play.

As most predicted this would be a grind it out, low scoring, hard fought game. Well that prediction came true as both teams had numerous “turnover on downs” series.

After an Easton turnover (INT) on the first play of the game, each team holding the other to “turnover on downs”, it was Parkland who was on the scoreboard first kicking a 22-yard FG on 4th and 5-yards.

Midway through the 1st it was Jashaad Gaddy who picked off Parkland’s Dominic Posocco in a tip drill and returned it 32-yards for the score changing momentum for the game. Easton 7-3.

The game would stay 7-3 until the 4th quarter when Quran Hughes finished off a 65-yard 8-play drive ending in him taking a quick trap7-yards for the score. Easton 14-3.

Easton dominated the running game with 198-yards on the night while Hughes rushed 16 times for 122-yards and 1 score.

Next week (3-0) Easton takes on (1-2) Emmaus and (2-1) Parkland faces (3-0) Nazareth.

In Bethlehem, on a rainy and windy night, Parkland hangs on and improves to (2-0) in the LVC by defeating the Hurricanes of Liberty 21-14.

Liberty playing with an injured Anthony Gonzalez who will get operated on Tuesday to repair damage in his knee could not avoid mistakes and collect their first win of the season. Gonzalez injured his meniscus in the first quarter of last weeks shackling from North Penn. He was able to play as doctors said he could not do anymore damage but will miss the next 2-3 weeks.

For Parkland it was the spark of backup QB Dominic Posocco who got things rolling for the Trojans. He was inserted into the game in the 2nd quarter after starter Casey Cooperman had poor play and threw 2 INT’s.

This game was about who could survive the elements and turnovers. Parkland had 4 while Liberty had 3. It was a game of field position as each team had trouble punting due to the wind.  Perhaps the biggest killer was discipline. Liberty had 10 penalties and 8 fumbled snaps.

Liberty was first to get on the board with a 4-yard fade from Gonzalez to West. A few turnovers later it was Kurt Kaunas who scooted in from 14-yards out tying the game at 7.

Just like last week against North Penn, Liberty was trying to stop a 4th and goal from the 1-yard line with 5 seconds left in the first half. The result was a Posocco keeper for the TD and the 14-7 lead.

In the second half Parkland kept on rolling as Boston College-bound Andre Williams took a sweep 36-yards to paydirt while outrunning everyone. Parkland 21-7.

Liberty would get back in the game as Gonzalez finished off a promising drive taking the QB sweep in from 3-yards.

Liberty had several chances to tie up the game and possibly force overtime but Parkland would have none of that. They held Liberty on downs at the 22-yard line and then Dan Castillo sealed the win by picking off Gonzalez with 1:30 left to play. The Trojans then ran out the clock.

Next week (0-2) Liberty takes on (2-0) ACC while (2-0) Parkland battles with (2-0) Easton.

Chad Breidinger
Easternpafootball.com

Craig Needhammer picked a perfect night for a career game as he and his Night’s ran through, around, and over visiting Liberty who are the defending PIAA 4A state champions.

His speed and hard running led him to 14 carries/219-yards/2TD’s. He had runs of 81 and 99-yards (TD) which proved he will be a standout RB in District 1.

It first appeared as if Liberty was picking up where they left off last year by getting on the board on their first possession. After a few Anthony Gonzalez runs followed by a perfect 54-yard TD strike to Stanford- bound Jarred West, it seemed like business as usual.

After a North Penn punt, Liberty was on the move again getting the ball down to the 1-yard line. Two penalties later and a double reverse that was fumbled and recovered by the Night’s changed momentum.

North Penn started out their scoring with a 22-yard FG. After an attempted Liberty punt gone bad, resulting with West taking the loss at the 12-yard line, Needhammer ran a trap 11-yards to paydirt. North Penn took the 10-7 lead.

Liberty got on the scoreboard one last time with a 32-yard FG tying the game at 10-points apiece.

After that point it was all North Penn as they scored 32 unanswered points.

Brandon Mercer, the fastest player on the team, was sidelined early with a broken Collarbone which paved the way for Mike Culbreath to do his damage with 3TD’s. He had runs of 1,2,and 3-yards respectively.

Ralph Reed made his presence known in the 4th Quarter as he took a TE screen 25-yards for the score.

After a Liberty punt down to the North Penn 1-yard line, the man of the night, Craig Needhammer was at it again breaking off a 99-yard TD run to seal the win for the Nights.

Next week Liberty plays Parkland (1-0) a 16-0 winner of George Washington and North Penn takes on cross-town rival Lansdale Catholic.

Chad Breidinger
Easternpafootball.com

Coatesville, Pa: Bethlehem Liberty (14-1) redeemed itself from its only loss of the season in beating North Penn (14-1) 21-14. This win advances the Hurricanes back to the 4A state final next Saturday in Hershey at 7p.m.

In week one, Liberty lost to North Penn 23-15, which was their only blemish of the season. In that game the Knights stormed out to a 20-0 halftime lead until the Canes came back with 15 points of their own thus keeping the game from a blowout to making it interesting.

This was not the first time the two teams have met. In 2005, Liberty won a slugfest over North Penn 14-12 also in the Eastern final.

With this win Liberty rides a 14-game winning streak to face off against Western power Bethel Park who beat Wilson West Lawn in triple overtime 38-35.

This win puts Liberty in the state finals for the 3rd time in 4-years. The Hurricanes hope that the 3rd time is a charm as they were humbled in 2005 and 2006 by McKeesport Area and Upper Saint Clair respectively.

This win also makes it 4 in a row and 5 out of 7 for an LVC team (D11) to reach the finals as Parkland split winning in 2002 against Woodland Hills and losing last year to Pittsburgh Central Catholic.

Liberty received the opening kick off and marched 80-yards on 18 plays while consuming 9:14 of the first quarter. Liberty attacked the heart of North Penn by running their belly option series with a steady diet of FB Daryl Klotz and QB Anthony Gonzalez. Gonzalez finished off the drive with a 1-yard sneak. The extra point was blocked and Liberty led 6-0.

On the ensuing kick off North Penn drove down the field on a long drive of it’s own covering 64-yards on 12 plays with Ronnie Akins taking it in from 2-yards out. PAT was good, North Penn 7-6.

After a tip drill INT from Gonzalez to Klotz, Devon Street was the benefactor of a 3-yard TD pass from Gonzalez. The drive, once again time consuming, took 11-plays.

Liberty went for the 2-point conversion and made it on a shuffle pass to Brandon Brader. Liberty 14-7. That’s how the half would end.

North Penn received the 2nd half kickoff and went straight to trickery. Akins threw a WR pass to a wide-open Tyler Smith for a gain of 42-yards. Akins capped off the drive with his 2nd touchdown of the game from 4-yards out which tied it at 14 all.

Once again it was Liberty that responded. On 3rd and 20 Gonzalez hit TE Horvin Latimer for a 32-yard gain. Brader put the Hurricanes ahead with an 18-yard TD run. Liberty 21-14.

It appeared Liberty would go up by 2 scores but were held on 4th and 1 at the 4-yard line.

There was 3:20 remaining but Liberty’s Mark Olivo sealed the win with an INT as Liberty then ran out the clock.

Chad Breidinger
Easternpafootball.com

In the City of Bethlehem also known as the “Christmas City” two familiar teams faced off for the second time in a few weeks. It was billed as “Liberty vs. Freedom 2”. This time around it was for the D 11/2/4 sub-regional title, district 11 title, and the right to play in the state quarterfinal against D12 winner George Washington (10-1)

Liberty (12-1) and Freedom (10-3) met in week 10 with Liberty prevailing 20-14 in a hard fought game. This contest just added 8-points to Liberty’s final score.

This game, played in super cold weather, was just another day at work for the Hurricanes. Although Freedom jumped out to a 7-0 lead on an Eddie Mateo 35-yard run, it was the “Canes” all everything QB in Anthony Gonzalez who stole the spotlight once again. He rushed for 28 times for 166-yards and all 4 TD’s (8, 3, 36 and 43).

Gonzalez couldn’t do it alone as RB Brandon Brader chipped in 102-yards rushing and his massive line opened up beautiful holes for him to glide through.

At half the game was tied at 7-7 with Gonzalez scoring on an 8-yard option keeper as time expired.

Gonzalez (also the LVC MVP) really pored it on in the 2nd half mainly in the 4th quarter where he scored his final 2 touchdown in the last 5-minutes.

Although Freedom lost this game, they have set a school record for wins in a season (10) and reaching the district playoff for the first time in school history. Head coach Jason Roeder has slowly built this team into a constant winner over the last few years.

As for Liberty, it seems as if reaching the state playoffs has become old hat for them.

Liberty will prepare to take on D12 winner George Washington of the Philadelphia public league who was a 23-14 winner over favorite and Philadelphia Catholic league champion LaSalle. The game will be played next Saturday at Northeast’s Charles Martin Stadium. Kick off is set for noon. The winner will advance to take on D1 champion (North Penn or Neshaminy) in the Eastern Finals.

Chad Breidinger
Easternpafootball.com

This was the meeting that everyone waited for as Liberty (11-1) ran over and around Emmaus (10-2) to secure their bid in an all D11 4A Final.

Liberty and Emmaus did not meet in the regular season due to the LVC rotating schedules.

With this win Liberty faces Freedom for the second time this season in the D11/2/4 sub-regional final. The Hurricanes defeated the Pates 20-14 in the last game of the season.

The score does not tell the true story of this game!!!!

Emmaus had trouble all night stopping the “Canes” powerful rushing attack. Liberty out-rushed Emmaus 374-yards to 107-yards as well as dominated in just about every other statistical category.

Liberty controlled the clock resulting in a statistical nightmare in total yards (443 –202) and 23-10 in first downs.

Liberty’s field general, Anthony Gonzales rushed 22/207-yards and 2TD’s. Sr. RB Brandon Brader added in 23/146 and one TD.

With his performance Gonzalez joins Dan Persa as one or two Liberty player’s to both run and pass for 1,000-yards in a season. Also Brader eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark on this misty evening.

This week is once again the “Battle of Bethlehem” as Freedom was a 42-25 winner over Hazleton.

Chad Breidinger
Easternpafootball.com

Parkland came to BASD stadium trying to get revenge on a 26-23 loss to Liberty in week 2. The result was 3 words. “Time of Possession”

Liberty (10-1) took control of the clock in route to a 19-0 final over Parkland (7-4) in which Liberty’s offensive and defensive lines controlled their respective LOS’s. Most likely the LVC MVP, Anthony Gonzalez, was a man amongst boys in orchestrating his team to arguably their best win of the year.

Liberty reversed the role usually held by Parkland in time consuming drives but was still able to get the big play.

Parkland didn’t get a first down until 33 second left in the first half.  Can we say total domination?

The second half was no different as Liberty ate up the clock on long drives which gave Coach Morgan’s vaunted wing-T no time to get back in the game.

Gonzales had 2 Touchdowns running (1 and 3-yards) while throwing for the 3rd to Pitt-bound Devon Street for 17-yards.

This win sets up a much-anticipated game against Emmaus (10-1) an 28-0 winner over Delaware Valley.  Liberty did not face Emmaus during the regular season.

Chad Breidinger
Easternpafootball.com

On a cool Friday night in Bethlehem, city rivals Freedom (7-1) and Beca (4-4) clashed in what turned out to be an epic battle. Freedom’s Taylor Gregory kicked the game winning 21-yard FG with 5-seconds left on the game clock to secure the win and inch 1 game closer to the coveted city championship. (They must beat Liberty in week 10). Freedom held two 14-point leads in which they let slip away making this a game for the ages.

Not only is this a huge rivalry game but Freedom’s star RB Eddie Mateo transferred over the summer from Beca where he led the LVC in rushing the previous year. On top of that Freedom head coach Jason Roeder is a former Beca standout who was part of Beca’s 1990 3A-state championship team.

Mateo did his part rushing 23/147 and 3 TD’s while showing his blazing speed and powerful running.

In fact, speed was all over the field with LVC leading rusher Darrius Webb and Tevrin Brandon of Beca making play after play while being countered by Mateo and Yusef Riddick of Freedom.

Freedom jumped out to a 14-0 lead on two Mateo TD runs of 3 and 16-yards.

Before the half Beca had its chance to get on the board. On 4th and goal from the 4-yard line Beca elected not to attempt the FG and go for it. The result was an INT in the endzone by Freedom’s Jermel Lee.

In the second half Beca came out revived. Beca’s Brian Morris pump faked to Zach Glagola while he was running and out and up thus connecting for the 17-yard TD. This drive was aided by a Mateo fumble that Beca’s Brandon Lally picked up and returned to Freedom’s 22-yard line.

After a Freedom punt and great return by Brandon, Webb capped off the drive with a 1-yard TD run tying the score at 14 a piece.

Continuing in the 3rd quarter Freedom took back the lead 21-14 on an amazing 11-yard end around TD run by Riddick.

Still in the 3rd, Morris’s shuffle pass was picked off by Freedom’s Tareeq Taylor who then returned it to the 10-yard line. Mateo capped off the drive with a 1-yard TD run to increase its lead back to 14-points.

Beca made it a game with a 4th and 1 TD run by Eric Fiore. On that drive Webb had a blazing 34-yard run.

After a freedom punt to the 10-yard line, Beca had to go 90-yards to tie the game up. Morris hit Glagola for 45-yards on a streak with Fiore finishing off the long drive with a 1-yard TD run. The score was now tied 28-28 with 2:25 left to play.

To the surprise of everyone, Beca went for the onside kick but a penalty wiped out the attempt which led them to kick it deep.

As Freedom was driving, Beca’s Gedeon Rene picked of Freedom’s Ryan Tress at mid field. Beca was unable to capitalize and was forced to punt the ball back to Freedom with about 50 seconds left.

After some good Mateo running, a late hit penalty, and a beautiful Mike Muzyka TE screen for 22-yards to the 6-yard line, Freedom was able to get the ball into FG range. With 5 ticks left on the clock Taylor kicked his team to a hard fought win 31-28.

Next week Freedom travels on Nazareth while Beca takes on Northampton.

Chad Breidinger
Easternpafootball.com

In a game of two LVC undefeated teams in Emmaus (5-0) and Northampton now (4-1), one was bound to lose for the first time this season. Tis the night for Emmaus as they prevail 17-12.

One team was expected to be a front runner while the other was the surprise of the season in the LVC.

Emmaus was the first to score on a 34-yard FG that was aided by a Johnson to Wisely 34-yard completion.

After an INT as Northampton was driving. Emmaus capitalized going 48-yards in 8-plays that was finished off by a Klidonas 1-yard TD run to make the score 10-0.

After stellar defense by both teams the score was Emmaus 10-0 at half.

In the 3rd Quarter, after a few Billera runs, he capped off the drive with a 1-yard TD run to up the score 17-0.

Mid 3rd Quarter, Northamptons Brock Baker rumbled 50-yards to the13-yard line with Chad Fenin finishing off the drive from 7-yards out. The 2-pt conversion was no good. Emmaus 17-6.

Northampton was on the board again after a blocked punt and return for a TD. The 2-pt. Conversion was no good. Emmaus 17-12

Northampton had one last chance which came on an on-side kick which appeared to be recovered by Northampton. The result was Emmaus ball due to an illegal touching penalty in which led to Emmaus finally running out the clock.

Next week Emmaus plays Dieruff while Northampton plays Freedom (4-1) a winner over Parkland this evening.

Chad Breidinger
Easternpafootball.com

Emmaus (4-0) ends drought by shutting out Easton (2-2) 21-0 Friday night. The Green Hornets have not beaten the Red Rovers since 1981 or 27 years.

Easton coming off a 26-0 shutout loss to Parkland the week before had to play without its main offensive and defensive threat in Kyle Harbridge. Easton also tried to get a spark by starting Sophomore QB Justin Pacchiolo.

Emmaus fresh of its win over Freedom last week did not miss a beat and proved they are a contender to win the LVC title. They are one of two teams still undefeated in the LVC along with Northampton.

The Emmaus defense has not surrendered an offensive point through 4 games.

Easton started the game with turnover after turnover. In fact, on their first 3 possessions they had an INT, fumble, and another INT.

On the Green Hornet’s first series they faced a 4th + 1 but a false start penalty forced them to try for a FG which was missed.

Their very next series they made sure that they would get the ball into the endzone with a beautiful Frank Wisely WR Screen play followed by a C.J. Billera 1-yard TD run.

After a few punts from each team the half would end 7-0 in favor of Emmaus.

The second half was just as bad as the first for Easton as they punted the ball away every series except the last.

In the 4th Quarter Matt Johnson connected with Wisely again on the same exact WR screen for big yards. Billera then bounced the run outside hitting paydirt from 24-yards out.

To finish the game off it was Wisely who continued to make the big play this time returning a punt 40-yards for the TD.

Easton made a late push to score but Emmaus held with the final being 21-0.

Billera has 20 carries for 114-yards and 2 TD’s. Wisely had 8 catches for 96 yards and a 40-yard punt return for a TD.

Next week Emmaus takes on fellow undefeated Northampton (4-0) who was a 20-0 winner over Whitehall. The winner of this game will stand alone as the only undefeated team in the LVC.

Easton plays Allen.

Chad Breidinger
Easternpafootball.com

In a game filled with fumbles, interceptions, botched snaps, dropped balls, slips, and QB’s running for their lives one constant was Emmaus kicker Austin O’Brien. He connected on 3 field goals of 30-yards or more lifting the Emmaus Green Hornets (3-0) over Bethlehem Freedom (2-1) on rainy mud filled night.

O’Brien got the ball rolling by kicking a 30-yard field goal on Emmaus’s first possession. The drive was aided by a Matt Johnson 4th and 1 conversion on a QB sneak.

Emmaus was at it again on its next possession after C.J Billera had a great punt return followed by a Johnson QB keeper, and 3 straight runs by Billera with the last one hitting pay dirt from 1-yard out.

With that touchdown Billera broke the school’s career TD record scoring his 37th.

Just as it looked like Freedom was getting things going Mateo fumbled the ball which was recovered by Dillon Swanson for Emmaus.

After trading punts Emmaus was on the board again with O’Brien’s 2nd FG of the night this time hitting from 39-yards out making it 13-0 Emmaus at the half.

To start the 2nd half Freedom held Emmaus deep in its own territory forcing them to punt. The punt was partially blocked setting up great field position for Freedom. On 3rd and 11 Ryan Tress completes the pass but the WR fumbled it away on the 15-yard line for the turnover.

Freedom’s next series ended in an INT by Emmaus’s Frank Wisely after what looked like a promising drive.

Freedom finally got on the board when Jermel Lee picked up a fumble and raced 45-yards for the TD. The snap was botched and the holder was tackled.

After an Emmaus punt Mateo took a sweep 53-yards to the 10-yard line. Emmaus would hold and force Freedom to attempt a 15-yard field goal which was wide.

Late in the 4th with CJ Billera out with an injury, Tate Klidonas ran down the field in bruising style. The drive ended in O’Brian’s 3rd FG from 34-yards. 16-6 Emmaus.

Freedom had one last chance which resulted in an INT. Emmaus then ran out the clock for the win.

Next week Emmaus hosts (2-1) Easton while Freedom hosts (1-2) Dieruff.

Chad Breidinger/Reporter
Easternpafootball.com

Ursuline Catholic of Youngstown, Ohio scores 30-points in the 2nd half to beat Bethlehem Catholic and improve their record to (2-0).

The game was very competitive in the first half with Ursuline leading 13-7 at the break. Beca was constantly getting penetration into the backfield and racking up tackles for losses. However, the big play is what hurt the Hawks.

Ursuline was very deep in the skill positions using 5 RB’s and 3 QB’s throughout the game.

Daryl Mason started off the scoring with a 41-yard TD run. It appeared as if he was stooped but then popped out and ran free. Ursuline 7-0.

In the second quarter Allen Jones went in from the 1-yard line to make it 13-0. The PAT was missed.

Beca finally got on the board when Tevrin Brandon returned a punt 39-yards to paydirt cutting the lead to 13-7

In the first half there were a total of 8 punts between both teams as each played stellar defense.

The start of the second half is when Ursuline widened the gap. Nico Irizarry ran for 45-yards for an apparent TD but a holding penalty brought back the Touchdown. They continued to run their stable of RB’s with Allen Jones finally taking it in from 10-yards out on that same drive. Ursuline converted the 2pt conversion to extend its lead 21-7.

Beca was then forced to punt on the next possession. The ball was snapped low and as the punter tried to pick it up he was smashed sending the ball to the turf and eventually in the hands of Matt Krause who ran it in to increase their lead to 28-7.

After another Ursuline punt it was Tevrin Brandon at it again returning the punt 40-yards to the 20-yard line. A few plays later and Darrius Webb reversed field and scored from 6-yards out. 28-14.

A combination of a personal foul (facemask), a long pass play, and an 18-yard run by Jones led to Irizarry scoring from 3-yards out. 35-14.

On the next series Beca QB Brian Morris was called for intentional ground in the endzone resulting in a safety. 37-14.

Ursuline finished it’s scoring on a Wade Daniels 9-yard run. 44-14.

Beca scored one last time on a 12-yard shuffle pass by Webb. 44-21.

Next week Beca hosts Allen.