Manheim Central clinches their share of a three way tie for the Section 2 Title defeating Cocalico

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Carl Frederick | October 30, 2021

Coach Hahn gathers his team after their victory

Behind Judd Novak’s three rushing touchdowns, Manheim Central (9-1, 4-1) gets by Cocalico (6-4, 4-1) 42-20 to clinch a share of the LL Section 2 Title. Quarterback Judd Novak had rushing touchdowns of 8, 11 and 15 yards, as he had to use his legs more than his arm in this rain soaked contest. “Coach told me to use my legs and I think I did that” Novak said “We just came out with a grudge from last year and I think we proved ourselves”.

The Barons started the scoring off on the opening kickoff, when Senior Owen Sensenig raced down the home team sideline 92 yards for the touchdown (7-0). Cocalico would settle in, particularly on defense, in the first half as Manheim Central would not cross the redzone the rest of the half. The Eagles got on the scoreboard late in the first quarter with Anthony Bourassa plunging in from the 2 yard line. The extra point was no good leaving the score at 7-6.

Cocalico’s first big break came midway through the second quarter when Austin Vang recovered a Manheim Central fumble at their 24 yard line. On 4th and 17 from the 20 Blake Teddei’s first pass of the game found the hands of Anthony Bourassa, behind the defense, giving them the lead 14-7. The score would remain that way heading into halftime.

Manheim Central picked things up on the defensive side to start the third quarter forcing a Cocalico fumble at the 24. On third and goal from the 11, Novak took off up the middle for his first score, tying the game back up at 14 apiece. The next possession saw the Eagles get up to their 48 yard line when Bourassa was stuffed on 4th and 2, giving the ball back to the Barons.

Novak hit Sensenig two plays later for a 29 yard pass in the downpour and Justin Hefferman would plunge in for a 1 yard score (21-14). Bourassa and company would not go quietly as they came right back and he finished things off the next drive with a 17 yard touchdown run. Cocalico went for the two point conversion but were denied, leaving them trialing by 1 with 9:06 remaining.

The Senior Quarterback again marched MC down and finished off the next drive with an 8 yard scamper (28-20). Cocalico fumbled again on an option play and Manheim Central recovered at the 29. Novak’s final touchdown run of the nigh three plays later, would all but seal the Barons share of the section 2 title. Justin Hefferman added a late 51 yard touchdown run (his second of the game) and the Barons finished things off 42-20.

Head Coach Dave Hahn was very proud of his team’s effort in the second half “Our kids in the second half responded, I couldn’t be more proud of them” Coach Hahn said “We went from 3-5 to 9-1 in a year, they’ve got short term memories and forget what happened last year”. Both teams will await on the PIAA announcements to see who they face in District playoffs. Cocalico Head Coach Bryan Strohl had this message for the game and districts “The turnovers were a killer, that’s on me.” Strohl added “This seasons over and next season begins”.

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