2002 In Review

Week 12

Friday November 17, 2006

Versus

Redland

Bear’s Season Comes to an End, Unexpectedly

Redland 45 Northern 7

Northern Finishes with Un-Defeated Regular Season and Winn ingest Senior Class in School History

Northern is used to winning as evidenced by their 11-0 record coming into the 2^nd round of the District 3 AAA playoffs tonight. Early on, it looked as if the 2006 tradition would continue. Leading 7-3 late in the 1^st half, a costly fumble and a questionable touchdown by the Patriots put the Bears down 10-7 as they headed into the locker room. What happened in the 2^nd half and why it happened will be debated for some time to come, but the long and short of it is that the Polar Bears gave up 35 unanswered points to their Mid-Penn Keystone foe and suffered a disastrous loss on their home field. Head Coach Rick Mauck referred to the 2^nd half as a “horror show’ in post game interviews. It was certainly that. Anything that could have gone wrong for the Bears did. Uncharacteristic errors on special teams, turnovers resulting in touchdowns, and an array of mistakes added up to the Polar Bear’s “horror show.”

Northern’s defense held Redland to less than 100 yards rushing but gave up an atypical 122 yards through the air. Conversely, Northern gained less than 100 yards of total offense for the first time in recent memory. Tonight’s game was all about miscues and momentum and Redland, to their credit, capitalized on all of them. Unfortunately, the final score is not indicative of the caliber of both teams.

All in all, it was a wonderful ride this year for the Polar Bears. From the early scrimmages against Lebanon and Dover, to the exciting 2^nd week game on the turf at Central; From the gut check at Greencastle, to the domination of West Perry; From 11 wins in a row, to this being the Winn ingest class in history.

Congratulations Bears! As you head off to Wrestling, Basketball, or Swimming, remember that you are Mid-Penn Colonial Champions!

Next year we reload!