HAZLETON – The Cougars overcame a mistake-filled first half and a fourth quarter deficit to defeat Williamsport 19-14 in a District 2-4-11 Class 4A quarterfinal game Friday night at Harmen-Geist Stadium.
Hazelton Area head coach Rocco Petrone talked about his team effort, “They didn’t want to lose. They just kept hanging in there. They wanted to win this football game.”
Hazelton Area scored first. Fullback Matt Manfredi scored on a 58-yard run and Chad Nicholas’ extra point gave the Cougars a 7-0 lead.
Williamsport answered right back on their ensuing drive. Drae Lewis had an eight-yard touchdown run to tie the game up at 7.
Hazelton Area had opportunities in the first half, but twice they fumbled the ball on their one-yard line. The halftime score was 7-7.
Petrone said about the first half, “At halftime we said all the breaks are going against us and we’re still in the game. “
Late in the third quarter the Cougars only needed three-plays to score. Dean McKernan took a pitch from Nicholas and threw it back to Nicholas for a10-yard touchdown pass. The PAT was blocked and the Cougars led 13-7.
Williamsport went back on top when Lewis scored on a five-yard run. Jordan Fredo added the extra point to give the Millionaires a 14-13 lead with 7:43 remaining.
Trailing 14-13 with just over seven minutes to go in the game, the Cougars would put together a game winning drive late in the game. Petrone returned a kickoff to the 43, but a late hit on Williamsport put the ball on the 38-yard line. Petrone would cap the drive with the game-winning score, a one-yard run.
AJ Petrone said, “We knew we were going to drive the field. The line just opened up the holes for us.”
The Millionaires had one more chance. After a hook-and-ladder play to the midfield. Tight end Thomas Burk caught a 23-yard pass down to the Cougars 28 with four seconds remaining. McKernan’s interception ended the game.
The Cougars clinched their third consecutive D-2 Class 4A title.
The Cougars will play at Easton Area (10-1). Easton Area shut out Nazareth Area 28-0.
One Response
I find it quite odd that the Williamsport QB Marquise Keiser is not recognized for his play in this game going 8 for 16 129 yds. Some of his passes were key in Williamsport staying in this game. This kid has proven himself starting as a Jr. throwing for 62/112 passing, 965 yds, 8tds, 8int…watch out for him next year!!!!!!!!!!!