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TAMAQUA, Pa. – Both Lehighton and Tamaqua entered Saturday’s game with 1-0 records, when it was over the Blue Raiders left as the only team still undefeated. Tamaqua prevailed 20-14 over the Indians in a Schuylkill League showdown at Tamaqua Stadium on a seasonably cool Saturday afternoon.
Both teams battled in the opening quarter, but remained in a scoreless tie into the second period. The Blue Raiders struck first when senior quarterback Nate Wickersham ran for an 18-yard touchdown with 7:56 left in the half. The extra point attempt was blocked to make it 6-0.
Lehighton responded with a lengthy drive, but failed to get on the scoreboard when the Indians missed a 33-yard field goal with three minutes remaining in the period. That wouldn’t end their first-half scoring chances, however, as on the next Tamaqua possession Lehighton’s Brandon Kocher intercepted a Wickersham pass deep in Blue Raider territory.
The Lehighton offense capitalized on that short field and a few plays latter J.J. McDowell punched in a score from two yards out. Lehighton grabbed a 7-6 halftime lead.
In the second half, Nate Curvey began to take control for Tamaqua. The senior tailback had an 18-yard rushing touchdown with 7:23 left in the third quarter. A successful two-point conversion gave the hosts a 14-7 advantage midway through the period.
The quick-strike offense of Lehighton had an answer, however. A minute later Richard Fronheiser connected with Zachary Hunsicker for a 77-yard touchdown reception. The game was tied up with 6:18 left in the third quarter.
The Indians later in that quarter drove down the field with one minute left in the third period and attempted a 37-yard field goal to take the lead, but it was blocked. The score remained locked at 14 heading into the final quarter of play.
In the fourth quarter Tamaqua head coach Sam Bonner switched up the offensive philosophy and used Curvey as a lead blocker and gave Logan Hess the running back responsibilities. It worked wonders for the Blue Raiders as they matched down the field near the goal line. The drive stalled there and following a timeout, Tamaqua went to the passing game on a bootleg where Wickersham found Nate Gregoire for an eight-yard receiving touchdown. Tamaqua grabbed a 20-14 lead after a failed two-point conversion to earn the victory.
Tamaqua will face Riverside on Friday night for their next contest. Lehighton is scheduled to host Pottsville on Saturday at 6 p.m. for the Indians’ 2020 home opener.
