Gray runs over Parkland

Written by: David Mika on Saturday, November 19th, 2011. Follow David Mika on Twitter.

NAZARETH – Freshman running back Jordan Gray rushed for five touchdowns to lead Nazareth Area over Parkland in a PIAA District 2-4-11 sub-regional semifinal game at Andrew S. Leh Stadium Friday night.

Nazareth’s only loss was week eight to Parkland in the regular season. The Blue Eagles returned the favor in a 63-27 win.

Parkland silenced the crowd on the opening kickoff as Jarel Elder took the ball 93-yards for the score. Brennon Bissell’s kick put the Trojans up 7-0.

Nazareth answered right back. Jordan Gray went in from three-yards out. A 44-yard pass from Daniel Harding to Andrew Bridgeforth set up the touchdown.

On the Blue Eagles next possession Gray’s one-yard score put Nazareth up 14-7 with 2:49 left in the first quarter.

The Trojans drove right down and Elder finished off the drive scoring from 38-yards out to tie the game at 14.

The last play of the first quarter was a Harding to Andrew Bridgeforth 43-yard completion down to Parkland’s two. The next play Harding went in from two-yards out to put the Blue Eagles up two scores, 21-14. Parkland’s Paul Tajiri had a 13-yard return on an Eli Redmond block punt to tie the game at 21.

Nazareth scored on their next two possessions. Gray’s 56-yard run and a 15-yeard pass from Harding to Andrew Bridgeforth put Nazareth up 35-21.

The Trojans drove 58 yards on four plays and Rob Dvoracek scored with 1:38 remaining in the first half. Nazareth blocked the extra point to go into halftime with a 35-27 lead in a back and forth first half.

Nazareth’s defense made the adjustments at halftime and pitched a shutout in the second half. Parkland’s offense sputtered and Nazareth scored four times.

Harding scored on a 27-yard run and a 61-yard pass to Adam Bridgeforth. Gray had runs for 8 and 14.

The Blue Eagles finished the night with over 650 yards of total offense and the teams combined for over 900 yards.

Jordan Gray finished the night rushing for 232 yards on 34 carries. Quarterback Daniel Harding passed for 381 yards. The Bridgeforth brothers combined for 258 yards receiving and two scores.

Nazareth (11-1) moves on to play Easton Area who won over Scranton 29-20. Nazareth defeated Easton area 35-28 during the regular season.

Photos by Anthony Lauro

Final	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	T
Parkland	14	13	0	0	27
Nazareth	14	21	14	14	63

1st Quarter
P – Jarel Elder 93-yard kickoff return 11:46
N – Jordan Gray 3-yard run 8:54
N – Jordan Gray 1-yard run 2:49
P – Jarel Elder 38-yard run 1:32
2nd Quarter
N – Dan Harding 2-yard run 11:55
P – Paul Tajiri 13-yard blocked punt return 8:13
N – Jordan Gray 56-yard run 7:54
N – Andrew Bridgeforth 15-yard pass from Dan Harding 2:36
P – Rob Dvoracek 43-yard run 1:38
3rd Quarter
N – Dan Harding 27-yard run 9:22
N – Jordan Gray 8-yard run :20
4th Quarter
N – Adam Bridgeforth 61-yard from Dan Harding 5:52
N – Jordan Gray 14-yard run 2:24