2002 In Review

Week 10

Friday November 4, 2005

Versus

West Perry High School

Regular Season Finale

A Test, Just in Time!

One question had been answered; The Polar bears are the 2005 Mid-Penn Colonial Champions. The second: Would Northern make it to the District Playoffs for the 2nd year in a row and the 3rd time in 4 years? That question would have to wait. First there was West Perry to deal with.

With the arm injury to Mustang QB, J.P. Page, West Perry running back, Ibrahim Smith, took over as the signal caller. Smith has pure breakaway speed and is incredibly dangerous, as he showed, from the option. Not to mention Seniors, Scott, Kindig, Reisinger, Weaver, and Zehring all remember the Bears locking up the Colonial and eliminating them from post-season play a year ago at Bostic. This game had all the makings of a slug-fest and was just what the doctor ordered for a Polar Bear team who had not been tested in weeks.

On their opening possession, Northern's Gerald Anderson took the ball to pay dirt only to have his touchdown called back on a holding call. Ibrahim Smith lurking in the secondary then picked off a Colby Betz pass but was then, himself, picked off by Senior Captain, Craig Moose (Moose, it was learned later, played the entire game with a concussion he received on the 3rd play of the game). Northern would not be denied on their 2nd possession culminating in a Mike Romagnoli TD. After a Smith fumble from center that was recovered by the Bears, Colby hit Corey on a 25 touchdown pass. There was no quit in the Mustangs though as Smith dazzled fans on both sides with his scrambling ability. He led the Mustangs to two 1st half scores. Craig Moose blocked the first PAT and after the 2nd conversion the Bears led, 14-13. Right before the half however, Senior RB Mike Romagnoli took the momentum back for Northern grabbing 3 of his 112 yards for a score and putting the Bears ahead 21-13 heading into the half.

The spirited West Perry squad came out in the second half blazing as Smith scored his 2nd touchdown and cut Northern's lead to one at, 21-20. Unfazed, Northern QB Colby Betz went right back to work hitting on big passes to Chad Halterman and brother, Corey and leading the Bears to two more scores. With the score 35-20 in the 4th quarter, Coach Mauck informed the Mid-Penn Colonial Champions that Wyomissing had defeated Conrad Weiser opening the door to the District playoffs for the Bears if they could hold on to win.

They then slammed the door on West Perry to complete a sweep of the League and assure themselves a playoff spot.

For the team, coaches, and fans, the season didn't end in Perry County but will continue on to Hershey. This is the Bears 3rd trip to the dance in 4 years, truly a testament to the coaching staff.

Congratulations Bears!!!!!!

You deserve it!

Next Week Vs. Lower Dauphin at Hershey Park Stadium.

District 3 AAA Quarterfinals

Date and Time TBD.