2002 In Review

Week 11

Friday November 12, 2004

Pennsylvania State Playoffs

District 3 AAA Quarter Final

Versus Daniel Boone High School

History

It was a night of firsts for the Polar Bears at an icy, misty Robert F. Bostic Stadium. Driving South on Route 15 and turning at the Baltimore Street exit, you knew it was going to be a special when you caught a glimpse of the firsts signs driven into the PNC lot, "Northern Country." As you traveled down Baltimore Street, the next thing that struck you was the fact that the entire town was decorated in purple and white. Every Farmer's Fair light was on and signs and balloons hung from the stores. As you made the final bend to the right heading for the stadium, the bright lights were simply awesome against a sky filled with mist. As the final signs to the right, "Home-of-the-Colonial-Champions" were passed you pulled into one of the parking lots and knew you were going to watch a piece of Northern History.

But somebody forgot to tell Daniel Boone.

The first half can only be described as a track meet. Of course, that's assuming that track meets are held in ice rinks. Northern won the toss and elected to receive and as they approached the line for their first series of plays, an official fired a starter's gun and we were off to the races. Mike Romagnoli started the scoring on the night with a 6 yard power run but Boone came right back when QB Chris Bokosky hit outstanding TB Nathan Romig for their own 47 yard score. The Bears came back on their next possession when Drew Romagnoli scored the first of his 4 touchdowns on a 9 yard run. Boone scored again on their next possession which was capped off with a Teddy Geurds 5 yard run. With the score Northern 12, Daniel Boone 14, the Bears were held to a 22 yard Brent Brockman field goal. The 15-14 lead wouldn't hold as Boone came back on their next possession when Romig went in again from 2 yards out. The first half ended with Daniel Boone up 22-15 and consisted of 455 total yards of offense, 5 touchdowns, a field goal, and 1 punt. The general feeling by those who were in attendance was whichever defense shows up first wins the game.

And that's exactly what happened in the second half. Northern's Defensive Coordinator, Tom Wise made adjustments and Daniel Boone did not. The Polar Bear defense was a brick wall in the second half holding Romig, who had 150 yards rushing in the first half, to just 4 yards in the second. The Bears aggressively forced Bokosky to put the ball in the air and with Seniors Shawn McGeehan, Jason Sheffer, and Sammy Bender pressuring hard, Northern's secondary clamped down and took control of the game. Scottie Davies had a brilliant night intercepting Bokosky twice and Drew Romagnoli made a circus-catch INT essentially sealing Daniel Boone's fate. Craig Moose, as usual, was all over the field making plays to the chants of "MOOOOOSE." In fact, every member of the defensive team stepped up and defended their home turf. It was the vaunted Polar Bear defense that we've come to expect at Northern and it was awesome in the second half. With Northern totally shutting down Boone's offense, the Polar Bear Offense began working the ground game. Drew and Mike Romagnoli, and Scottie Davies, churned out yards behind a solid offensive line. Drew scored 3 second half touchdowns and the Bears led late 38-22. Daniel Boone, who absolutely came to play, scored yet again late in the 4th quarter, but an onside kick recovered alertly by Mike Watson ended the game.

For Northern, history was made by giving the Polar Bears their first 10 win season since 1981 and first under Coach Mauck. It was also the Bear's first State playoff victory. For Daniel Boone, it was a tremendous achievement. They traveled over 2 hours to play a game in the rain against a team that they'd never played, coupled by the fact that this was their first ever trip to the playoffs. They should be extremely proud of their effort. They will be a force for years to come.

For Coach Rick Mauck, who notched his 100th win earlier this year, he beat the school where he began his coaching and teaching career. Congratulations Coach, Coaches, and Players.

The Bears advance to the District 3 AAA Semi-Final against the Manheim Central Barons. The game will be home at Bostic field. Kickoff at 7:30 p.m.

Final Score

Northern 38

Daniel Boone 30

Next Week at Bostic. District 3 AAA Semi Finals. Kickoff is at 7:30 P.M.

Versus Defending State Champion, Manheim Central Barons.