Schuylkill Haven Tops Nativity BVM in Nail-Biter

Tagged under: District 11, News

Karlee Feger | October 19, 2024

Leyden Hertz and his teammates celebrate after he scored the game-tying touchdown

The Schuylkill Haven Hurricanes managed to keep their winning streak alive in a close contest as they defeated Nativity BVM, 29-28. Leyden Hertz scored the game-tying touchdown and Hunter Correll made the extra point to secure the Hurricane victory. Sam Walborn had three touchdowns for Nativity.

Nativity started hot, working downfield quickly to the 1-yard line, where Sam Walborn scored to put the Green Wave on the board first in this heated matchup. The Hurricanes responded with running back Niko Carestia scoring from 25 yards out. Nativity quarterback Colt Mason began to incorporate his throwing abilities, finding Nick Wagner in the endzone. Nativity’s defense was a true test for the Hurricanes, forcing a turnover on downs. Wagner broke free for a long run, setting up Walborn for a 12-yard score. Nativity threatened the Hurricanes on their home turf, 21-8.

Colton Reber was able to close the scoring gap with a 3-yard touchdown. The Hurricanes were then able to recover a fumble on the kick return, but Army Commit Noah Dolbin used his length to bring in a high pass for an interception. The Hurricane defense was able to hold Nativity scoreless, Chase Williams leading the front with back-to-back tackles. The score at the half was 21-14, Nativity.

Sam Walborn and the Nativity defense make a tackle

The Hurricanes looked to knot up the score as Niko Carestia reached the endzone, but the touchdown was ruled a fumble and the Green Wave took possession. Walborn found the endzone once again, this time from 22 yards out. Carestia stayed determined to keep his team close as he scored to end the third. The score was 28-22, Nativity, heading into the fourth.

The fourth quarter proved to be a thriller. Ethan Kline started the Hurricane spark by recovering a fumble. Schuylkill Haven took their time working down the field, quarterback Brayden Fasnacht finding Leyden Hertz for short passing gains. Carestia was then able to convert on a 4th and 1 attempt. The Hurricanes attempted two passes for the tie, but they were broken up by the Green Wave defense. On 4th and 13 with three seconds remaining, Fasnacht found Hertz as he ran into the endzone to tie the game. Correll then nailed the extra point as the Schuylkill Haven Hurricanes squeaked out a close win against Nativity.

Coach Mike Farr and his Schuylkill Haven Hurricanes will travel to Hegins to face Tri-Valley, while Coach Patrick Mason and his Nativity Green Wave will face Marian Catholic.

Quarterback Brayden Fasnacht looks on in disbelief as his Hurricanes win, 29-28

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