Pottsgrove Stymies Spring-Ford’s Offense

Lower Pottsgrove Township, Pa., The Pottsgrove Falcons took another step toward supremacy in District 1, AAA with a solid all around offensive and defensive effort by shutting down the Spring-Ford Rams, (AAAA) 26-0 in PAC10 action last night atPottsgrove field. A costly interception and fumble contributed toPottsgrove’s first two touchdowns and the Falcons played a solid brand of bend but don’t break defense the rest of the way.

Both teams entered the contest with 4-0 records but the Rams were without junior running back Jarred Jones who was a scratch via a broken wrist he suffered two weeks ago. The Falcons rely on their own version of a ground and pound attack and they did not disappoint with quarterback Tory Hudgins and Mark Dukes stepping up with great individual efforts.

On the Rams first possession, it appeared as though they would be able to move the ball on the ground against a Pottsgrovedefense that has allowed an average of only five points per game. They went on a sustained 12 play drive and recording three first downs. However quarterback Hank Coyne’s third pass of the series was intercepted by junior Nick Brennan who brought it back to the Ram 15 yard line. Three plays later Brennan scored himself on an 11 yard run to open the scoring.The rest of the first half took on a defensive posture while both offenses sputtered.

The Falcons took advantage of a Coyne fumble in the third quarter which was recovered by Patrick Finn. Dukes scored on the next play from 51 yards and gave the Falcons a two score advantage. At that point, whatever momentum the Rams began to build appeared whisked away as the Falcon offensive and defensive line began to assert control.

Anchored by 300 pound bookend offensive tackles Madison O’Connor and Maxton Wickward, the Falcons had more success with the veer scheme orchestrated by Hudgins. They put together a 10 play, five minute drive with Hudgins running in from the 17 after a sensational play fake to Dukes and run up the middle giving them a 19-0 lead. Dukes scored again later on a one play drive with a 30 yard run after the Rams lost the ball on downs.

With the win Pottsgrove has a chance to run the table and take an undefeated record into District 1, AAA play. They move to 5-0 and a date next week at conference rival Methacton. Spring-Ford, the defending PAC10 champs fall to 4-1 and will entertain Boyertown week.

Notes: Spring Ford suited over 80 players while Pottsgrove only had over 40. The Falcons played with Military khaki pants in honor of the service men who served the country. Juniorlinebackers Brennan and Jeff Adams created havoc on the Spring-Ford running game making several tackles at the point of attack. Jones had visits from Michigan and Maryland this week. O’Connor has received interest from the University of Pittsburgh and Boston College. Hudgins attempted only two passes. One was intercepted by Ben Schein. Dukes ended his night with 133 yards, and two TD’s on 20 carries. The Falcons averaged 50 points/game entering the contest. Rick Pennypackeris in his 24th year as head coach.

Scoring by Quarter

1st Quarter

P- Nick Brennan- 11 run- (PAT- no good) – 4:20

2nd Quarter

No Scoring

3rd Quarter

P- Mark Dukes- 51 run- (PAT-no good) – 3:23

4th Quarter

P- Tory Hudgins- 17 run- (PAT- Jon Klinger) – 3:10

P- Dukes- 30 run- (PAT- Klinger) – 2:00