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.
