Parkland holds on for the win

MATAMORAS – The last time District two was in the 4A sub-regional title game was in 2007 with Hazleton Area. Ironically it was against Parkland. The Trojans blocked a field goal in the final seconds and went on to the state finals that year.

We fast forward to 2012 and Delaware Valley (District two) is in the sub-regional final against Parkland.

Parkland (11-2) broke a tie score at halftime and outscored Delaware Valley (11-2) 28-6 in the third quarter en route to a 49-41 win in the Districts 2-11, 4A subregional football game Saturday afternoon.

“We let the third quarter get away from us,” said Delaware Valley head football coach Keith Olsommer. “When they get momentum rolling, its tough to get it back on your side”.

Delaware Valley wanted to make a statement early. On defense they did, Cory Savarese stepped in front of a Parkland receiver and picked off Tim Baranek’s pass and took it 89-yards for the score. Brendan Paulison’s kick put the Warriors up 7-0.

After a punt, Delaware Valley drove 71-yards on 14-plays for the score. Joe Santiago scored from 18-yards out. The Warriors converted on fourth down twice to keep the drive alive.

After one quarter Delaware Valley led 14-0. “We never panicked when we were down two scores,” said head football coach Jim Morgans.The Trojans ground game took over in the second quarter. A Jarel Elder six-yard run cut the Warriors lead in half, 14-7.

After a poor punt by Delaware Valley, Parkland drove right down as Eli Redmond went in from eight-yards out for a score. With 6:50 remaining in the first half the teams were tied at 14.

The Warriors retook the lead on a Bryan Schor to Lucas Markowitz 53-yard bomb with 3:24 remaining in the first half.

One minute later Elder went 39-yard for the score. Zach Owen’s kick tied the game at 21. “We knew going into the second half that we needed to come out strong on both sides of the ball,” said Xavier Roden.

Delaware Valley took the second half kick off and put together a drive that marched 63-yards for the score. Martin Strenk went in from four-yards out. The kick was no good and the Warriors retook the lead, 27-21.

But it was Parkland’s time to shine.  Parkland took their first lead of the night after a short kickoff by Delaware Valley. Matt Costello picked up the ball and returned it 70-yards for a touchdown. With 9:47 left in the quarter the Trojans led 28-27.

Parkland extended their lead on a four-play drive as Baranek went in untouched from17-yards out. Redman picked off a Schor pass and took it 32-yards for the score. The score was now 42-27.

The Trojans defense held late in the third quarter and they took over on downs at their 9. “We had to be more physical on defense in the second half,” said Jarel Eler. One play later, Elder went up the middle for 91-yards. After three quarters Parkland led 49-27.

Although Parkland had the momentum, Delaware Valley needed a score quickly and Schor delivered. On fourth-and-two, Schor found Markowitz for a 33-yard touchdown pass. Delaware Valley’s Cory Savarese recovered the onside kick with 10:23 remaining in the game on Parkland’s 44.

The Warriors pulled within eight points on a Schor to Connor Decker eight-yard touchdown pass with 7:50 remaining in the contest. The score was 49-41.

The Warriors’ defense forced Parkland to punt with under five minutes left. But any momentum the Warriors had was gone when Schor fumbled with 3:04 remaining. But the Warriors defense came up big again with another stop with 1:21 left in the game. The Warriors needed to drive 78 yards and get a two-point conversion for the tie.

With time ticking down, Schor threw a Hail Mary pass into the end zone that went through Nick McIntyre’s hands and Parkland held on for the win. “Credit to our kids, they hung in their and fought to the end,” said Olsommer. “They made plays and didn’t quit and that is all we can ask for.”

Note: Parkland will play LaSalle College HS next Saturday at 1pm at Northeast in Philadelphia. Parkland out rushed Delaware Valley 402 to 189.

Jarel Elder finished the game with 233 yards on 20 carries and three scores. Tim Baranek completed one pass for 12 yards, but he rushed for over 100 yards on 17 carries.

Parkland started the season 0-2 and now has won 11 in a row. They avenged both their early losses.

Delaware Valley’s quarterback Bryan Schor completed 17 of 29 passes for 256 yards and three touchdowns. “He is a tremendous quarterback. He throws and runs well,” said Morgans.

Lucas Markowitz caught five passes for 122 yards and two scores. Connor Decker had 91 yards receiving on eight catches.