Cam Jones and the Wilson Bulldogs fend off Manheim Township

Tagged under: District 3, Gameday Hub, News

Carl Frederick | October 29, 2022

Heading into week 10 both teams had playoff positions wrapped up, this game was more about seeding than anything as they could very easily face off again. Behind 248 rushing from Senior Cam Jones, the Wilson Bulldogs held off Manheim Township 27-21. Jones accounted for two rushing touchdowns and one passing as he once again was leading the charge for the Bulldogs “Feeling good, we our team came together, and we got a big win” the Holy Cross commit replied.

Things did not start out as planned for the visiting team as Manheim Township behind star quarterback Hayden Johnson were on the attack early. On the opening drive the Junior lead the Blue Streaks for an 82 yard scoring drive capping it off with an 18 yard touchdown strike to Landon Kennel (7-0).  Manheim Township would eventually force a Wilson punt on the Bulldogs next possession following an Eli Rodriguez sack.

The Bulldogs tightened up defensively and methodically found their way to the endzone with just under 30 seconds to play until halftime. Behind Jones carving through the Blue Streaks defense, quarterback Tommy Hunsicker hit Edison Case for a 13-yard pass play (their longest of the night). Hunsicker called his own number for Wilson’s first score taking a 8 yard quarterback draw for the score. An illegal substitution penalty against Manheim Township set Wilson up for a shorter two-point conversion try and you know Coach Dahms would not pass on the opportunity. Cam Jones converted the two-point conversion and just like that Wilson went into halftime with the lead and momentum up 8-7.

The third quarter Jones carried the Bulldogs down the field but instead of using his legs, he used his hand to find Nick Weitzel for a 5 yard touchdown pass. The extra point was no good leaving the score at 14-7. Hayden Johnson and company wasted no time as they came right back, with the Junior turning the corner for an 18 yard rushing touchdown (14-14).

Both offenses were rolling at this point, Jones busted through a hole behind stud lineman Jack Dendall on the next possession for a 54-yard scamper. The third quarter would end with Wilson holding a 21-14 advantage. Sophomore Declan Clancy for Manheim Township joined the party when he took a handoff and went 45 yards for a score tying the game back up at 21-21.

Wilson went back to what was working as their next possession went deep into the fourth quarter and was capped off with a Cam Jones 4-yard touchdown run. This drive for the Bulldogs went for 10 plays over 71 yards and deep into the final quarter. The extra point try saw Coach Dahms accept the Manheim Township personal foul penalty and go for two once again. Unfortunately for Wilson this did not work out as the Blue Streaks stuffed the two-point attempt leaving the score at 27-21.

Manheim Township came back down the field and Johnson hit Kennell for a big fourth down conversion. Up to their own 46-yard line, the Blue Streaks could not advance any further as their 4^th down pass fell incomplete. Jones would seal the deal converting third and short and running out the clock for the Wilson victory.

For the winning squad Cam Jones finished with 248 yards rushing on 24 carries and 3 total scores. Manheim Township’s Declan Clancy had a nice night too with 111 yards on the ground on 19 carries.

“We had some plays and we made the plays” Coach Dahms said “I don’t think they’re a clear cut favorite for the 6A playoffs, anyone can beat anyone.” Wilson will wait final word but it looks like they may be traveling to 3 seed Harrisburg next week while Manheim Township could be looking at a rematch with Cumberland Valley. The District playoff brackets should be set by tomorrow, as Coach Dahms said any of the 8 teams in the 6A region can win it.

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