2002 In Review

Week 10

Friday November 3, 2006

Versus

Shippensburg

10-0…..Bears undefeated for the first time in 25 years.

Northern 34 Shippensburg 2

2006 Mid-Penn Colonial Champions

In a game with so much riding on it, the Polar Bear defense came out like an iron wall. They did everything they had to do in order to shut down the Shippensburg Greyhounds until the offense got in sync. On this cold Senior night at Bostic, the offense eventually did get into sync and with the defensive pressure constantly on Van Scyoc and the Hounds; the Bears put this one into the win column and accomplished some incredible things.

1^st Northern team in 25 years to go undefeated.

Outright winner of the Mid-Penn Colonial Division

#1 Seed in the District 3/State Playoffs

There was a great celebration at then end of this one as players and coaches began to realize what had been accomplished. As filled with hope for each new season as the Northern fans are, few saw this coming. This years team shrugged off talk about how, “We graduated most of our talent last year”, and, “well they can be good, but not as good as previous years.” Which Northern team is the best Northern team is something that can be debated by those of who watch, but for this bunch, they could care less. Each player on both sides of the ball has made the most of his opportunities and plays one week at a time. They simply go to work each and every Friday night.

The first half tonight was a struggle as the Bears found themselves leading 7-2 at the break. In the locker room at half-time the captains spoke and the team found itself. Northern dominated the 2^nd half and rolled to a 34-2 victory. The O line got it going and blew people off the ball. The D line was amazing all night long. The loss of defensive captain Josh Kefauver was felt early but the backers rallied. The secondary was a blanket. When the Bears got it going, they really got it going. On the night Gerald Anderson rushed 12 times for 113 yards and a touchdown. Chad Halterman threw for 92 yards and 3 touchdowns one, a Houdini “Escape Artist” 45 yarder to Donnie Bell. Ryan Stephenson and Michael Davies each grabbed a TD pass. Defensively, Northern picked off Hound QB Van Scyoc three times and held Shippensburg to 75 total yards. The defensive play of the night was when Dane Eichelberger launched himself out of a canon, went airborne, and sacked Van Scyoc. That… was amazing.

Celebrating on the field afterward, PA announcer Dale Reeder announced that the Manheim Central Barons had lost and the Polar Bears erupted realizing that they are now the 1^st seed in the playoffs and will host Donegal this week at Bostic.

Congratulations men. You earned this!

Next Week vs. 1^st Round of District 3 Playoffs at Bostic

Kickoff is at 7:30 P.M.

Opponent yet to be determined