Hornets hold off Parkland for first league title in 44 years
The final regular season games in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and Colonial League take place this weekend. While several teams are in action Saturday, six Lehigh Valley Press area teams were in action Friday night, including one game that decided a league title.
For more about these games see this week’s issues of the Lehigh Valley Press.
Parkland-Emmaus
The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference title was at stake as the Hornets edged to Trojans 24-21 to win their first outright league title since 1972.
A 24-yard Carson Landis field goal in the second overtime was the difference for Emmaus (9-1), which moves on as the top seed in the District 11 Class 6A playoffs. Parkland will hang onto the No. 2 seed for the district tournament.
The Trojans (7-3) took a 7-0 second-quarter lead on a fake field goal attempt. Holder Ethan Imler, who also plays some quarterback, found a wide open Frank Guida for a 20-yard score.
Emmaus answered with Sone Ntoh’s 25-yard touchdown run to tie the game. The Trojans went back in front late in the second quarter when quarterback Micheal Ruisch connected with Nate Weider for a 5-yard score and a 14-7 halftime lead.
The Hornets tied the game on a 46-yard touchdown run by Lubens Myers (20 carries, 120 yards) in the third quarter. After a scoreless final period the game went to overtime.
Both teams scored touchdowns on their first overtime possessions. The Trojans got in on a 10-yard first-down run by Jahan Worth. The Hornets faced a fourth-and-16 when Blake Reed found Drew Schwindenhammer for the tying score.
When Parkland held the Hornets out on three tries, Landis put his team ahead with his 24-yard boot. The Trojans could have gone for the tie on a fourth-and-one, but they handed off to Worth and the Hornet defense came up with the stop.
Whitehall-Northampton
The Zephyrs took a 33-6 halftime lead en route to a 52-12 win over Northampton.
Quarterback Zach Gilbert completed 13 of 17 passes for 278 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. Desmond Boykin caught six passes for 141 yards and a score. Marrero Braxton (44 rushing yards, 63 receiving yards), Devin Martinez, Kasai Harrison and Jacob Snyder all caught passes for touchdowns. Ethan Parvel also threw a touchdown pass in the game.
For Northampton, quarterback Colin Schucker rushed 14 times for 144 yards and both of his team’s touchdowns.
The Zephyrs (6-4) are the No. 1 seed for the District 11 Class 5A playoffs. They will host East Stroudsburg North in the first round.
Northwestern-Catasauqua
The Tigers beat the Rough Riders 48-20.
Northwestern quarterback Deven Bollinger threw for 226 yards and two touchdowns, completing 14 of 17 pass attempts. Trevor Cunningham (9 carries, 157 yards; 6 catches, 163 yards) scored four times, two on receptions and two on runs. Caleb Clymer caught four passes for 38 yards and a pair of scores. Tyler Loback carried the ball 18 times for 83 yards and a Northwestern touchdown.
The Roughies Andrew Brett threw for 262 yards and two touchdowns, completing 22 of 36 throws. Ryan Greene caught eight passes for 73 yards and a touchdown. Thanjhea Teasley caught three passes for 93 yards and a touchdown.
The Tigers (5-5) will move on to the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Catty (2-8) will prepare for its Thanksgiving Day game against Northampton.