2002 In Review

Week 6

Friday October 6, 2006

Versus

Milton Area

Two Hours North to District 4

Bears Roll to 6-0

It’s all about discipline. Nobody really knew what to expect when the Bears left the confines of District 3 to play a northern District 4 team. Sure they had a record that we could look at but that doesn’t always tell the story. What was known was that this Black Panther team had already played two of the state’s best AAA teams and played well until deep into the 2^nd half. It was also know that they had two legitimate D1 recruits. What was unknown was how this Polar Bear team would respond to the trip to Northumberland County after Mercy-Ruling division foe and previously unbeaten West Perry the week before.

Discipline.

They would come in with discipline and walk out 37-15 victors. Northern played within itself and gave nothing to the Black Panthers. If a particular series didn’t go the right way, they would regroup and get after it the following series. The defense would bend but adjust leaving Milton scoreless for 3 quarters. There was never a sense of frustration or alarm. It was all about the business of football and getting it done; discipline.

After playing most of the 1st quarter scoreless, Chad Halterman hit Ryan Stephenson for the first of his 4 touchdown passes. Ryan took it 85 yards and Northern was on the board. Seven minutes into the second quarter, the Bears got on the board again when Digger Morret drilled a 40 yard field goal that split the uprights. After holding the Panthers to 3 and out, Northern got the ball back with 3 minutes left in the half, took advantage of good field position, and capped their drive with a 14 yard scoring strike from Chad to Dane Eichelberger. Gerald Anderson started the scoring in the 2^nd half running around left end and following the devastating, de-cleating block of Ryan Stephenson into the end zone. After that it was shut down D and more aerial fireworks with Chad hooking up again with both Dane and Ryan for scores. Milton put two scores of their own together in the fourth quarter but by then, the game was over. On the night, Chad threw for 244 yards and 4 touchdowns hitting 5 different receivers. Ryan Stephenson gathered 3 receptions for 122 yards and 2 touchdowns. Dane Eichelberger caught 5 passes for 81 yards and 2 touchdowns. Gerald Anderson led all rushers with 12 carries for 73 yards and a score.

Noteworthy on defensive side of the ball was defensive end Jake Scott’s interception, a lineman’s dream. Also of note is the continued excellent play of Eddie Stephenson and Alex Potteiger. These two have become excellent shut down corners. They don’t get their names called much because opposing quarterbacks don’t throw at them.

Northern heads to Newville next week to face the struggling Bulldogs in a return to conference play.

Next Week vs. Big Spring in Newville

Kickoff is at 7:30 P.M.