The Crimson Tide and Spartans were two programs on the opposite end of the football spectrum last year. Wyomissing’s veteran team made the district final. Pottsville’s rebuilding program struggled to gain consistency in a 2-8 campaign. Turn the page to 2016. It is now Pottsville with the veteran team and Wyomissing in rebuilding mode. In Pottsville Friday night, the Crimson Tide showed they will be a contender in Schuylkill League 1 with a resounding 32-7 thrashing of Wyomissing Area.
Pottsville QB Eric Wapinsky accounted for three TD’s (2 rushing, 1 passing). The Crimson Tide’s efficient ground attack was led by Darion Jacoby. Pottville”s defense forced three turnovers and kept the vaunted Wyomissing rushing attack in check for most of the night.
Pottsville head coach Tom McGoey praised his teams off season effort for the win Friday night. “They (Wyomissing) have been kicking our butt the last couple of years. I am glad our seniors came out tonight and got the first win. These seniors have been chomping at the bit all summer and I think it showed tonight.”
Both teams showed some early season nerves for most of the opening quarter. Conservative play calling and good defense kept things scoreless. As time ran down in the quarter the Tide moved the ball. Pottsville drew first blood with 2:51 to go on a Sam Siminitus 36 yard run. 6-0. Wyomissing fumbled away the ensuing kick off. Pottsville took quick advantage with an Eric Wapinsky 10-yard run making it 13-0 as the 1st quarter ended.
Pottsville got going again in quarter two on an interception and great return by Mike Boto. The Crimson Tide capitalized with a 28-yd TD reception by Jr. Ian Renninger to make it a 20-0 advantage. Wyomissing could not get anything moving and the half ended 20-0 Crimson Tide.
Wyomissing’s offensive woes continued in the second half. Pottsville came out controlling the line of scrimmage like they did most of the first half. Ian Murhon capped a dominant 90 yard Crimson Tide drive with a one-yard plunge. It was 26-0 at the 6:45 mark of quarter three. It was all over but the shouting when Tide QB Wapinsky dove across to make it 32-0. Wyomissing got on the board with a Max Hurleman 13 yard run. The final was Pottsville 32 Wyomissing 7.
Pottsville moves on to to face former Berks League foe Muhlenberg at Veterans Memorial Field. Wyomissing has their first home matchup on Saturday afternoon vs Lanc-Leb league 5A Garden Spot.
