The saying, things aren’t always what they seem came to mind as Whitehall’s junior running back Saquon Barkley took a screen pass from Jeff Charles at his own 25 yard line and sprinted towards the end zone at J. Birney Crum Stadium last night. However something happened along the way, he prematurely tossed the ball to the official before crossing the goal line. The ball ended up out of bounds for a touchback. That mental error did not deter him as he scored two touchdowns the next two Zephyr possessions to lead Whitehall past a gutsy Central Catholic effort 29-18 before a sparce homecoming crowd in Allentown
“I made a mistake,” Barkley stated “I was being an idiot, I thought I was in the end zone. I was just excited about making a play because we talked about it and I thought I made it. Next time I’ll be sure to run through the end zone to make sure it is touchdown.”
Whitehall overcame three turnovers on the night to secure a four way atop the LVC standings. Parkland, Easton and Emmaus all won their respective games as well.
Barkley,got the Zephyrs off to fast start with a 14 yard scoring run on their opening possession. Connor Ilgenfritz tacked on the PAT for a 7-0 lead. Central Catholic answered with a brilliant playfake by CCHS QB Mason Kholi, who ran it in from 36 yards out. PAT was blocked, however leaving Whitehall with 7-6 lead.
After a Ryan Bonshak 1 yard touchdown run for Whitehall made the score 14-6. The Zephyrs were on a drive deep in Viking territory. Ryan Beville picked off a Charles pass and returned it 90 yards for score to cut the lead to 14-13.
After his gaffe, Barkley, who rushed 23 times for 213 yards, scored on runs of 57 and 6 yards in second half to seal the win. Central Catholic got as close as 21-19 on 22 yard pass from Kholi to receiver Dallas Kassis on a 4th and 8 with 8:39 left in the contest.
“Central had a great game plan tonight.” Whitehall coach Brian Gilbert said. “They have some tough kids and they are alot better than their 2-4 record. “They could be 4-2 very easily, ha they made few plays during the year.” He added.
Whitehall will get set to play next Friday against Emmaus. It will homecoming night at Zephy Stadium.
