Schuylkill Haven used it power run game all night, as the combination of Ryan Fink and Will Casella was just too much for the Williams Valley defense to contain.
Schuylkill Haven dominated time of possession, using long drives to tire the Vikings defense. The Vikings had very few chances to touch the ball offensively. The Hurricanes played great defense in the second half, shutting the door on the Vikings’ season with a 42-16 win to give the preseason favorites their first District 11 Class A title since 2010.
People began to doubt the Hurricanes after they lost three early games to Tamaqua, North Schuylkill and Wyomissing. The ‘Canes did not let in though. After tonight’s dominating victory, the Hurricanes are on a five-game winning streak and looking for more as the enter the state tournament.
Haven’s two-headed monster in the backfield, Fink and Casella both ran for more than 100 yards. Fink ran for 199 yards and three scores, while Casella ran for 137 yards and two scores.
With Williams Valley backed up in their own territory and ready to punt, Haven’s Mike Feryo took matters into his own hands as he blocked the punt, picked it up and took it to the end zone.
The next Haven offensive possession lasted 5:39 as they pounded the ball on the ground. Fink capped the 11-play drive with a 9-yard scamper for a touchdown.
The Vikings brought the ball down inside the 10, on the ensuing drive, but could not capitalize as they went four and out as Schuylkill Haven led 14-0 after a quarter.
A Vikings’ three-and-out set up a 17-play, 8:03 drive which was capped off by another Fink touchdown run for the Hurricanes (9-3).
The Vikings scored quick on their next possession as Stephen Sedesse threw a screen to Tim Schorr that went for 70 yards as they finally got on the board. The Vikes’ defense shut down the Hurricane offense on their next possession, forcing a punt.
Schorr received the ball at his own 18-yard line, as great blocks sprung him free and he made it all the way to the end zone for an 82-yard punt return that made the score going into half 21-16.
Haven’s first possession of the second half was once again capped by a Fink touchdown run – this time from 20 yards out.
Williams Valley’s next drive ended with a three-and-out, which set up another long Hurricane drive that was capped off by a Casella 2-yard touchdown run and a commanding 35-16 for the Hurricanes entering the fourth quarter.
Haven scored early in the fourth as Casella added another touchdown run from 5 yards out.
Williams Valley (10-2) stalled on offense in the second half as they were unable to score.
Schuylkill Haven will look to use their powerful tandem in their next game, which will be against the District 1 winner, either Delco Christian or Bristol.
