Football: With late block, Penncrest grounds out Media Bowl win

NETHER PROVIDENCE >> In the age of fast-paced offenses that pass the ball more than they run, a football purist would have thoroughly enjoyed the slugfest that Penncrest and Strath Haven engaged in for the Media Bowl. The teams each featured a battering running attack and rugged offensive line play as their primary weapon in the Lions’ hard-fought 9-7 victory over the Panthers. Despite a strong commitment to trying to grind each other into the ground, the game took a dramatic — and fast-paced — turn in the fourth quarter.

Trailing 9-0, Strath Haven went into hurry-up mode and it paid immediate dividends. After gashing the otherwise sturdy Lions defense down to the one-yard line, Panthers quarterback Evan Atsaves plunged into the end zone to cut the lead to 9-7 with 2:44 remaining in the contest. Penncrest recovered an onside kick and was subsequently forced to punt. The Panthers took over and went to work; this time using their passing game. Ahmir Gordon took a pass from Atsaves and weaved his way 47 yards to the Lions’ 5-yard line. After a convincing performance for 59 minutes and 55 seconds, Penncrest now faced the possibility of losing as Gordon lined-up for a 23-yard field goal attempt.

The Lions, however, had other ideas about how this Media Bowl would end. After a high snap, the Penncrest (1-2) special teams unit burst through the line and Zane Horn ultimately snuffed out Gordon’s field-goal attempt to clinch the Lions win as time expired. It was a thrilling ending to a neighborhood rivalry.

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