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Penn Manor clinches first non losing season since 2014 with last minute victory over McCaskey

Tagged under: District 3, Gameday Hub, News

| October 16, 2021


 

Penn Manor Gearing up for Kickoff

 

Senior Eric Hinkle plowed his way in from the 2 yard line with 48 seconds to go to give the Penn Manor Comets their first non-losing season in 8 years. A back and forth battle between bitter rivals came down to the last seconds, as McCaskey (2-6, 0-3), got to the Penn Manor 45 with 14 seconds left. Sophomore Ty Washington would strip sack Red Tornado Quarterback Matt Remash and recover the fumble giving the Comets the victory 21-17.

For Penn Manor (5-3, 1-2) this will be the first time in the Coach John Brubaker era where they will not finish with a losing season. “We haven’t won 5 games at Penn Manor in 8 years” Coach Brubaker said “These guys are all heart, it says a lot about them”.

It was a defensive struggle for both squads, as neither could put the ball into the endzone in the first quarter. Field position was a big factor after a Penn Manor drive stalled early in the second quarter and then Punter, Peter Skiodas, pooched a punt down the McCaskey 1. The Red Tornadoes could not move the ball and were forced to punt out of their endzone, giving the Comets first and ten at their 30. The next play Junior Quarterback, Eli Warfel (12-14 168 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions) hit fellow Junior Quay Hanna, for the touchdown making it 7-0 Comets.

On the following possession McCaskey came all the way to the Penn Manor 10, but the drive stalled, leading to a 31 yard Dale Sallie field goal. The score was 7-3 right before the half when Warfel had the Comets on the move until he was picked off at the McCaskey 48 by Nelson Martinez.

Matthew Remash was sacked on the Red Tornadoes opening drive of the third quarter by Sophomore, Dhamir Wesley (3 total sacks). Another possession later McCaskey was pinned deep in their own territory and on the punt, Hinkle dashed from the 43 yard line for the touchdown (14-3).

After another defensive stand, things seem to be heading toward the Comets favor to start the fourth quarter. Although at the next drive, freshman Julian Larue, recovered a Noah Bolin fumble at the Penn Manor 42. 4 plays later Senior Basir Epps, took a hand off 21 yards for the touchdown (14-10).

Head Coach Ben Thompson’s squad played an inspired game and their defense came up with a big stop sacking Warfel on third down to force the punt. Remash would hook up with Shymere Covington for 54 yards to the Comets 36. With 1 minute and 21 seconds to go, Remash hit Zyaire Cortagera for a 22 yard touchdown pass, giving McCaskey their first lead of the game (17-14).

Junior Deshaun Stanley, returned the ensuing kickoff to their 41, then Warfel would find Clark Wagstaff for a big hookup the Tornado 31. The next play would see Stanley catch a tipped pass falling out of bounds at the McCaskey 2. From there Eric Hinkle, one of just 9 seniors, took it in for his second touchdown on the evening. “When I was Sophomore and Junior, we had five wins combined” Hinkle said “To get 5 in one season, it feels good and we hope to change the momentum in the years to come”.

Remash (10-18 170 yards, 1 td) would get the Tornadoes to the Comets 45, when, as mentioned earlier, Washington would strip sack him to seal the victory. It was a heart breaker for McCaskey on their senior night, but they showed their heart and determination. They will have to regroup when they welcome Manheim Township (5-3, 2-1). Penn Manor still has a shot at a District Playoff berth when they return back home to face Cedar Crest (4-3, 1-2).

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