The 2011 season began Friday night with some impressive performances and exciting finishes. From a late touchdown by Farrell to edge Sharon in the Steel Bowl to Jimmy Kearns’ special night for Linesville, the action was intense around District 10. Here are a few highlights from opening night.
McDowell continued its recent dominance of archrival Cathedral Prep with a 25-20 win in front of more than 6,000 fans. Damion Terry didn’t disappoint for the Ramblers with 232 passing yards and three touchdowns in the second half. Terry is only a junior, but is starting to receive strong collegiate interest.
All eyes were on McDowell superstar Greg Garmon, but the Ramblers kept him in check. Garmon finished with 53 yards on 11 carries, while fellow running back Khyre Drayer stood out. Drayer carried the ball 14 times for 130 yards and two touchdowns, including a crucial 71-yard touchdown run during Prep’s comeback. Both teams are primed for solid seasons this fall.
-Strong Vincent knocked off General McLane for the second-straight season under coach Scott White. The Colonels’ offense dominated with 395 total yards and 42 points. Vincent defeated the Colonels 42-28 behind 115 rushing yards from Corey Henry and 106 from Denzel Jones. Jones ran for three touchdowns to lead the way, while Chris Kirkland, Michael Neavins and Hassam Farooq also scored for Vincent.
-Linesville made quick work of rival Cambridge Springs on Friday. The Lions, who combined with Conneaut Lake in the offseason, scored 48 points in the first half en route to a 61-26 drubbing of the Blue Devils. Kearns carried the ball six times for 146 yards, with five of those carries going for touchdowns. He also returned a fumble 26 yards for a touchdown and scored a two-point conversion to finish with 38 points.
For more on Friday’s games, click below.
– Tom Reisenweber
-Meadville’s speed was on display against Fairview to start the season. The Bulldogs beat the Tigers 33-14 behind 466 rushing yards on 58 carries. The Bulldogs’ rushing attack is formidable this season and will test every defense it comes across. Fred Epps led the way with 187 yards on 22 carries, while Terence Goodrum had 172 yards on 17 carries and three touchdowns. Add in junior Artrel Foster, who had two total touchdown and 90 yards rushing and Meadville has plenty of speed to burn each game. One injury note from this game was Fairview quarterback Tommy Weidle. If the Tigers lose him, it could be a long season.
-Mercyhurst Prep and Mercer renewed their rivalry Friday with the Lakers winning once again. Mercyhurst won 27-14 behind a solid rushing performance. Cornelius Barclay rushed for two touchdowns and 67 yards, while Dwayne Canady and P.J. Wycech added a rushing touchdown each. Kyle Mariacher led Mercer with 161 yards on 12 carries and two touchdowns, while fellow 1,000-yard back Joe Hess was limited to 26 yards on eight carries.
-Northwestern gave new coach D.J. Hough his first win by edging Reynolds 13-6. The Wildcats were clinging to a one-point lead before Grant Panko broke loose for a 52-yard touchdown run. Northwestern should be in the mix for a playoff spot this season.
-Union City did an admirable job of hanging with Lakeview Friday. The Sailors prevailed 27-13 with two fourth-quarter touchdowns by Nathan Kokoski. Blake Reddick led the way with 120 yards on 13 carries, while Kokoski added 68 yard. The Bears’ offense was shut down for the most part but managed 252 rushing yards.
-How good does North East look already? The Grapepickers routed Greenville 48-21 with huge games from 1,000-yard running backs Alex Svetz and Tyler Johnson. Svetz ran for 185 yards on 22 carries and four touchdowns, while Johnson had 20 carries for 158 yards and two touchdowns. The Grapepickers have a showdown in General McLane next week, which could decide the Region 4 championship.
-Grove City displayed its rushing muscle with 309 yards against East. The Eagles won 42-7 behind 118 yards and one touchdown from Wes Phipps and 62 yards with one touchdown from Erik Record. Harold Price added two total touchdowns, while Foster Reznor added a 62-yard interception return. Anthony Jordan broke a 69-yard touchdown run in his first game for the Warriors.
-Youngsville began the season on the right foot with a tough road win at Seneca, 19-7. Sage Sivak and Cory Craig each scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter to secure the win. Joe Hibbler stood out for Seneca with 113 yards on 17 carries.
-Harbor Creek wasn’t messing around with Fort LeBoeuf Friday with a 43-7 statement win. Former Bison Sean Kuzilla broke a 33-yard touchdown run in the first quarter for the Huskies before adding a touchdown later in the first quarter. Tyler Bretz led Harbor Creek with 109 yards on 15 carries, while Steve Kocher led LeBoeuf with 78 yards and one TD.
-Fans shouldn’t sleep on Wilmington this fall. The Greyhounds have plenty of experience back from last year and could be a tough team to beat in Region 3. Ryan Crawford scored three touchdowns for the ‘Hounds on Friday during a 36-14 win over Slippery Rock.
-DeShawn Coleman is a diamond in the rough for Hickory this fall. Coleman exploded for 295 yards on 18 carries, including two touchdown runs of at least 55 yards. The Hornets routed West Middlesex 35-6 on Friday and will be a team to keep an eye on during the Region 3 race.
-Oil City received a big effort from several players in their new-look team. Losing 19 of 22 starters to graduation, the Oilers need a few players to step up. Logan Way scored twice along with Sam Owoc on Friday in a 41-28 win over Iroquois. Blake Hadley tossed two touchdown passes for Oil City.
-Lance Messett pulled down a 26-yard touchdown pass from Forrest Wested with 11 seconds left to lift Farrell to a thrilling 28-27 win over rival Sharon in the Steel Bowl. Jason Pinkins led the Steelers with 139 yards and one touchdown, while Jessed Rodgers scored four touchdowns for the Tigers on 144 yards. Both teams won District 10 championships last year and could be in the mix once again this fall.
-Big graduation losses? No problem for Sharpsville. The Blue Devils received two-touchdown performances from Joey Flynn, Dersean Alberty-Btown and Tyler Luchey in a 52-0 rout of Eisenhower.
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