2002 In Review

Week 3

3 In a Row against Mechanicsburg

3 – 0 to Start the Season

September 14, 2007

Northern 28 – Mechanicsburg 21

This one lived up to its billing when the 2–0 Polar Bears went into the 2–0 Wildcats den. Believe me, when these two teams play, you really need to throw out the records as this is a “real” backyard rivalry. Mechanicsburg, playing for their hospitalized head coach, Rich Lichtel, came in to tonight’s game riding their victory over tough Spring Grove. Northern entered on the heels of their pounding of Quad A Central York. Both teams were looking to remain undefeated heading in to league play and when the dust settled, Northern had the ring.

The teams traded possessions in the 1^st quarter but the Bears got it going first when Michael Davies went in from 4 yards out with 2:41 left in the 1st. Mokes was a wrecking crew again rushing for 129 yards on 24 carries behind a “more impressive every week” offensive line. Frankly, you just can’t say enough about the O line play. Seniors Dylan Pennington and Jake Scott are just having their way with defensive lineman this season. Sophomore, Kelton Mehls is playing huge as are Juniors Will Roller and Chase Walker.

Northern took a 14-0 lead in the second quarter when Jordan Rutherford hit Robbie Bleiler on a pretty 44 yard pass and at that point, the Bears threatened to put this one away early. But, this is Mechanicsburg. The same Mechanicsburg who pulled a hook and ladder out of their bag of tricks to beat the Bears 4 years ago when Northern had seemingly won the game. There was no quit in the Wildcats and their talented QB Jake Zeigler who made like Houdini on several occasions scrambling on the night for 48 yards and a score which cut the lead to 7. The Bears went up by 14 points again in the third quarter when Mokes scored his second touchdown, this time from 16 yards out. The Cats came back again though with a 3 yard touchdown run set up by a Zeigler scramble and the see-saw battle continued. In the fourth quarter, Bubba Smith powered in from one yard out to put the Bears up 14 points again but Zeigler found a wide open Ben Anderson for a 34 yard touchdown cutting the lead back to 7.

At that point, the Bears led 28-21 and simply refused to allow Mechanicsburg any further progress. Northern’s Defensive Line absolutely slammed the door shut as Seniors Jake Scott, and Tim McAleer were relentless. McAleer had a sack and several tackles as he, Scott, Antonio Myers, Travis Wenger, and Ryan O’Toole held Mechanicsburg to just 55 yards rushing, 48 of them on Zeigler scrambles. Linebackers Davies and Matt Murphy played most of the night in the Wildcats backfield. With the bears up 7 midway through the fourth quarter, the defense held and gave the ball back to Rutherford for the final time. Jordan and the Polar Bear offense never left the field after that running out the clock on an impressive game ending drive.

The win puts Northern at 3-0 heading into league play. They have won 21 consecutive regular season games but start league play with an explosion hosting undefeated Greencastle this Friday night.

The game is in our yard. Be there!

Next Week

Greencastle and the start of League play

Friday 9/21/07 - 7:30 p.m.