2002 In Review

Week 7

Friday October 15, 2004

Versus

East Pennsboro High School

Northern Crushes East Penn to End the 4-Game Drought!

The loudspeakers blared, "Welcome to the Jungle" as the Northern Polar Bears and East Penn Panthers took the field. The theme put forth by the Panthers was, our house, our jungle. Well, the Polar Bears tore through East Penn's jungle like a typhoon leveling everything in its path. From the first possession, the Bears were determined to score. The first touchdown, a beautiful lob and leaping catch from Colby Betz to Craig Moose was called back on an ineligible man downfield call, but no matter. Colby found Drew Romagnoli from 13 yards out and the Bears were off to the races.

After Colby later found his brother, Corey, for a 12 yard touchdown, Panther Kenji Holloway returned the ensuing kick off 90 yards for East Penn who closed the gap to 13-6. It didn't matter as the Bears came right back on one of the most amazing runs-after-catch I have ever seen from Drew Romagnoli. Drew caught a pass from Colby in the flat and broke at least 5 tackles down the Panther sideline for the 45 yard touchdown. East Penn put a drive together on their next possession but that's when they hit the wall. The Panthers wound up with first and goal from the 2 yard line and were unable to score against the Bear's surging defense. The incredible goal-line stand will be remembered for seasons to come. East Penn's night came to a close when, on the change of possession from the 2, Colby dropped back and heaved a perfect pass to Ryan Shaw who had badly beaten his man. Shaw went nearly the length of the field before being pulled down on the opposite 2 yard line. Only a less than 100% hamstring kept Shaw out of the end zone. Colby threw the knockout punch on the next play calling his own number and taking it in from 2 yards out.

The scoring continued to pile up and was finally capped off when John Sirianni went 60 yards late in the 4th quarter for his own touchdown. Brent Brockman's extra point made it 50-7 and the Northern sidelines erupted. It was more than relief for the Bears who could not get past East Penn on their last 4 tries, it was determination. The players, coaches, and staff are on a mission this year and as a bystander who is lucky enough to take his camera to games and walk the sidelines, I gotta tell you, it's fun to watch

Final Score

Northern 50

East Pennsboro 7

Next Week Vs. Susquenita at Bostic Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:30 P.M. immediately followed by WHTM TV's FOOTBALL FRIDAY at Range End Country Club. Everyone is invited.