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Game Statistics 
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Game Photos |
Player StatisticsSchedule |
Game Statistics |
Game Photos |
Player Statistics
By Doug Hosier
This year's Media Bowl was the best one we have seen since the Lions last won it in 1987. Last Friday, the Penncrest Lions took on the Strath Haven Panthers in a game neither team or its fans will soon forget. No one gave the Lions a shot to win - not the papers, the Panthers, and even some of the Penncrest fans, but these Lions came out to prove all of them wrong.
On the first drive of the game, the Lions drove the length of the field to shove it in the end zone, shocking the fans and Strath Haven with a quick 7-0 lead. The Lions solid defense decimated the Panther offense holding them to only 43 yards in the first half. It appeared as though the Panthers' winning streak was coming to an end at 39.
The Lions knew the second half would still be a battle because this was a state championship-caliber team that had come from behind to win before. Both teams came out of half time ready to take it to one another to be victorious in this game of the season. The Lions were trying to prove that they are better then their 4-6 record shows and that the losses to Radnor and Springfield were flukes. Strath Haven was trying to keep their Central League unbeaten streak intact and their control of the Media Bowl since 1988.
The third quarter was another incredibly hard-fought battle, but the Panthers came up empty again. They couldn't find any holes in the solid steel defense that the Lions were playing. At the end of the third quarter, the Lions were still winning 7-0 in this shocking, would-be, biggest upset of the Central League season.
The Panthers however, still had a few tricks up their sleeves, and when the fourth quarter came and they were still down to this impressive Lions team, it was time for them to use all of them. The Panthers offense still had some fight in them tying the game with a 16 yard touchdown run by Dan Conners with about ten minutes left to play in the game. The Lions were still fighting hard, as Mike Dougherty recovered a fumbled snap to give the Lions the ball. The Lions gained one first down, but were then stopped on third when Damien Ferrainola fell just short. The Panthers drove the ball all the way down to the Lions one yard line and scored what ended up being the winning touchdown with roughly three minutes left to play. The Lions though, were still not beat and continued to fight. Andy Spahr threw an interception three plays into the Lions' drive, but it was fumbled after a vicious hit by Ryan Phillips and Dan Hosier recovered the ball for the Lions to keep the drive and the hope to win alive. On third down the Panthers stopped Spahr one yard short of the first. On the next play Ferrainola was stopped short and the Lions lost possession; the Panthers downed the ball and that was the game. The Lions played their hearts out and finally earned the respect in the Central League that they deserve.
The Lions take on Abington this week away at Abington in the Lions last game of the season. Kickoff is at 1:30.
Champions!
The Penncrest Lions nearly accomplished what other teams have attempted over the past 39 games. Beat Strath Haven the PIAA 'AAA' State Champions. They gave the Panthers the scare of their lives.
The Lions held Strath to 43 first half yards. The Lions held the lead at the half 7-0! The Lions were the first team to hold Strath Haven scoreless for three quarters!
We will never forget...
Chuck Rowland's sack, "Docs" tackles and fumble recovery, Ryan Phillips hit to force a fumble,
Dan Hosier recovering a fumble late in the game. Andy Spahr's first down run. Dan Hosier also held
the county's leading receiver Josh Hannum to ZERO receptions! Damian Ferrainola's 14 yard touchdown.
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | ||||
| Penncrest | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 7 | |
| Strath Haven | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | - | 14 | |
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Matt Taylor takes out two Panthers on the kick return.
Dick, Ferrainola and Phillips open the lane.