The high school football season is a marathon and not a sprint. The Harrisburg Cougars are a perfect example of how a football team can go from question marks to champion in the course of a season. Navigating through eligibility and injury issues, Head Coach Cal Everett has molded Harrisburg back into a District Champion. “The team understands what the ultimate goal is” said Coach Everett. “We pride ourselves on playing our best football in the post season.” Harrisburg played with that post season pride on Saturday. The Cougars started fast and ran away with a convincing 42-14 win over Wilson WL and a fourth straight District 3 6A Championship. The victory moves Harrisburg on in the PIAA State football Championships. Harrisburg will take on Pittsburgh Central Catholic next.
Harrisburg took full advantage of Wilson mistakes throughout the contest and turned them into 21 points. Wilson missed on two fake punts and an end zone interception also proved costly for the Bulldogs. A balanced Cougar rushing attack was led by Messiah Mickens two TDs
Cougar OT Kevin Brown has had a roller coaster year for the Cougars. “as I got back from my injury, oh it felt good to be with my teammates. Our goal is to be state champions, that is our goal from day 1 and here we are one step closer.”
Wilson received the opening kickoff. Harrisburg forced a three and out. A high punt snap botched the kick and Harrisburg took advantage.
A botched punt attempt by @WilsonBulldogs at mid field and @HBGCougar_FBall takes advantage Missiah Mikens across for @hbgcougarcoach and a 7-0 lead 2:55 quarter 1 @piaadistrict3 6A Championship @HSFBamerica @BadgleyBruce @PremiunSports @PCC_FOOTBALL @WPIAL_Blitz @CaryMoyer pic.twitter.com/kmNh26wOyc
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) November 23, 2024
Both teams battled through quarter one. Harrisburg got a drive going and started the 2nd quarter with a TD.
On the 1st play of the 2nd quarter Mickens in for his 2nd TD of the game. @HBGCougar_FBall up 14-0 over. @WilsonBulldogs 11:54 quarter 2 @HSFBamerica @CaryMoyer @BadgleyBruce @WPIAL_Blitz @PremiunSports pic.twitter.com/Soa4HAex3z
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) November 23, 2024
A bit time swing came late in quarter two. A big time Cougar stop, an ensuing Harrisburg TD, then a Wilson TD to make it 21-6 Harrisburg at the break.
HUGE end zone pick on 4th down by @HBGCougar_FBall Trays Walker ! 14-0 over @WilsonBulldogs 5:19 until halftime @piaadistrict3 6A Championship @HSFBamerica @CaryMoyer @BadgleyBruce @PremiunSports pic.twitter.com/jXiDtihoHi
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) November 23, 2024
Touchdown @WilsonBulldogs ! As we go to halftime Madyx Gruber dives in for the score. @HBGCougar_FBall now a 21-6 lead at halftime of the @piaadistrict3 6A championship @HSFBamerica @BadgleyBruce @PremiunSports @WPIAL_Blitz @Cawley_TV pic.twitter.com/lhPwAtkscs
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) November 23, 2024
Harrisburg poured it on in quarter three.
Pretty play from @HBGCougar_FBall QB Jayion Lewis hitting Elias Coke in stride for the TD! 28-6 now over @WilsonBulldogs 8:12 quarter 3 @piaadistrict3 6A Championship @HSFBamerica @WPIAL_Blitz @BadgleyBruce @boblongsports @CaryMoyer pic.twitter.com/QXTRRBeRfw
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) November 23, 2024
District News
© Copyright 1999-2024 easternpafootball.com. No portion of this website may be reproduced or duplicated without the express written consent of easternpafootball.com.
