Upper Dauphin survives Columbia’s furious rally to advance to the District 3 2A Championship
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Carl Frederick | November 6, 2021
Upper Dauphin celebrates their playoff victory
In a game that saw big plays, state records and over 100 points scored combined, it was a defensive stand by the Trojans that helped them prevail 58-48 in a classic. “The kids just dug down deep and got the job done” Head Coach Kent Smeltz said “We’ll just enjoy this one this one tonight and worry about York Catholic tomorrow”
The first half played right into the Trojans hands, as they controlled the ball and had the Crimson Tide defense confused. Starting things off was Senior Christian Snyder, taking an inside hand off 17 yards for what would be his first of four touchdowns on the evening. After forcing Columbia to a rare three and out, Snyder’s second touchdown run came from the 2-yard line making it 16-0 Upper Dauphin.
Robert Footman, who had another record setting night, took off on the next possession from 33 yards out to get the Tide back in it at 16-6. Snyder notched his third score of the first quarter with a 28-yard scamper (22-6). J’Von Collazo then pulled in his first touchdown from the 28-yard line, the two-point try was unsuccessful leaving the Tide trailing 22-12.
The Trojans did not punt once in the first two quarters as they tacked on two more touchdowns (Christian Snyder 59-yard TD pass from Will Laskowski, Brady Morgan 29-yard run) putting them ahead 36-12. In one of many wild sequences of the night, right before the half Footman was sacked and fumbled at the Upper Dauphin 17. Senior Austin Hartman picked up the fumble and pitched it back to Brady Morgan (3 touchdowns on the night) who went 71 yards giving Upper Dauphin a commanding 44-12 halftime lead.
The second half would see a rejuvenated Crimson Tide squad on both sides of the ball fight back until the end. Following a goal line stand, Footman found Collazo from his own 5 making the score 44-20 with 5 minutes to go in the third. Laskowski added a 1-yard score, and Aiden Wiest had an 18-yard touchdown making it 58-22 Upper Dauphin.
Behind Footman (535 passing, 6 total touchdowns) and Collazo (11 receptions, 357 receiving yards) Columbia fought until the very end to pull within 10 at 58-48. Unfortunately, the Crimson Tide’s record setting season came to an end with the Trojans holding on for the victory.
The Crimson Tide, who won their first section title since 2002, will miss the weekly highlights of Footman and Collazo that is for sure. Both Seniors were understandably heartbroken to have their season come to a close. Hats off to the Crimson Tide, it has been a joy to watch Coach Bud Kyle’s squad play.
For Upper Dauphin they face a tough York Catholic squad who, as Christian Snyder said, run an entirely different offense “Feels great all the hard work we put in this summer is paying off” Snyder replied, “We have to switch gears now, York is more of a running team that fits more into our style”.
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