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HARRISBURG ADVANCES TO 6A FINAL BY DOWNING COATESVILLE 27-24

Tagged under: District 3

| December 1, 2018

(Hershey, PA) The opening weekend must have seemed light years away from Harrisburg and Coatesville as they entered play Saturday afternoon.  So too  must have been the feelings following Coatesville convincing win against the Cougars at Severance field.  Both teams were on big win streaks. Both teams going for the trifecta of Conference , District and State titles.  But only one could emerge.  And on this day it would be Harrisburg.  Utilizing a no fear, head strong, tough style of play, the Cougars defeated the Red Raiders 27-24 Saturday afternoon at Hershey Park Stadium.

Kane Everson turned in a sparkling effort for Harrisburg.  Kane had a TD run, a TD pass and slashed his way through and around the Coatesville Defense all game long.  On the Defensive side of the ball, Andre White Jr. led the effort that held the Red Raider running attack in check and harassed Coatesville QB Ricky Ortega every time he dropped to throw.

Andre White Jr said after the game “we were confident coming into this game, honestly I think every single one of our football players believed we were going to win this game.”  Quarterback Everson said  “it was a big part of our game plan to run the ball with me, our line was very good today and got a great push off the ball.”  Head Coach Calvin Everett exuded quiet confidence after the game “for our kids to start where they started, for them to be able to endure everything through the season, and end up playing for a state title, it feels great.  I can’t even put it into words.”

 

The first quarter of the game had both teams playing conservative and the defenses having their way with the opponent.  The first quarter ended scoreless.  Things got rolling in quarter two.  Harrisburg got on the board first with a nice pitch and catch from Everson to Donte Kent.

Coatesville came right back with a drive of their own. But the Harrisburg Defense stiffened which led to a Field Goal to make it 7-3.

And away we went!  The next Harrisburg possession drove quickly down the field to pay dirt and a 15-3 advantage with a two pointer.

Back and forth we went as Coatesville got in the end zone with Dapree Bryant to close it to 15-10 with under 2 minutes in the half.

Harrisburg continued its aggressive play.  The Cougars moved right down the field and into the end zone with Kane Everson to open up a 21-10 lead at the break.

Coatesville received the second half kick and drove it right down the field for a TD.  Ricky Ortega hit Dymere Miller and it was 21-17 barely two minutes in.

The Coatesville D forced a three and out. Then began to gain offensive momentum.  A big fourth down stop swung the game back towards Harrisburg late in the third quarter.

We ended the third quarter 21-17.  A hard hitting forth quarter swung back to Harrisburg again after an interception in the Coatesville end.  When Jahmir Plant blasted in for the Cougars everyone was put on UPSET ALERT.

Coatesville’s sense of urgency ramped way up.  With Aaron Youngs TD the margin was only three with 4:53 left.

Harrisburg got the ball back and led by Kane Everson ran most of the remaining time off the clock. A crazy last few seconds ticked away and Harrisburg secured its spot in the 6A title game.

What a wild ride for Harrisburg and a bitter initial defeat for Coatesville.

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