by Jim Burkman

SPOTLIGHT ON BERKS SPORTS

Rivalry week in high school football gets no better than the “Backyard Brawl” between Wyomissing and Berks Catholic in Section II of the Berks County Interscholastic Athletic Association. The 2019 version had more pre-game pomp and circumstance than ever before considering both teams entered 4-0, both teams were ranked number one in the district power rankings (Spartans in 3A and Saints in 4A), and they are not scheduled to play again over the next two regular seasons. But when the first whistle sounds, all of that means nothing.

Wyomissing needed only 41 seconds to put points on the board as Max Hurleman (16 for 145) lightning bolted 60 yards on their second play from scrimmage. Aidan Cirulli’s kick made the score Wyomissing 7-0 less than four minutes into the game.

The Spartans second possession was almost text book work. They held the ball for nine minutes and two seconds, ran 18 plays, converted two fourth down attempts, and gained 48 yards. Evan Niedrowski (22 for 78) thundered seven carries for seventeen tough yards on the drive. Berks Catholic’s defense finally got the stop they needed, and forced a field goal attempt that sailed wide.

After forcing a punt that travelled two yards, Wyomissing went back to work offensively. They drove 45 yards in six plays ending with another Hurleman bolt from 23 yards out. A missed PAT made the score 13-0 with 2:56 to play in the half.

On the ensuing kickoff, the Spartans pooch kicked and came up with the loose ball at Berks Catholic’s 32 yard line. The Saints defense held and forced Wyomissing to attempt a 49-yard field goal. Aidan Cirulli kicked a beauty through the uprights for a 16-0 halftime lead.

As Berks Catholic was struggling to find a rhythm offensively, their defense settled in and held Wyomissing scoreless in the third quarter. But the Spartans once again forced their will at the start of the fourth quarter. They drove 51 yards in nine plays, and finished it with Hurleman’s third score of the game. This time it was from 22 yards. The kick was good for a 23-0 lead that would hold up until the end.

The Spartans controlled the clock for more than 29 minutes, ran 58 offensive plays, and gained 304 total yards. On the other side, Berks Catholic had the ball for less than 19 minutes, ran 36 plays, and were held to 111 yards.

When asked about the “Thunder and Lightning” title, Hurleman said, “No one calls us that, but it makes sense.” He added, “I was a little worried tonight about getting caught from behind if Larkin or MacFoy were on defense, but they weren’t out there so I knew I wasn’t getting caught.” Niedrowski added, “Honestly, I don’t mind going up the middle. I just love the contact. I like being hit more than hitting.”

The third head of Wyomissing’s offensive monster is Jevin Tranquillo. Quietly he rushed for 41 yards on 10 carries. “I love when they get the ball because that means I get to block for them and they score. I feel just as proud as they do”, he said.

Wyomissing (10-0) won Berks II for the first time since 2015 and clinched the top seed, and home field advantage throughout the District III 3A playoffs. They get a bye next week and must wait to see who they play.

Berks Catholic (6-4) will fall from the top seed in 4A, but will likely stay top-4, earn a first round bye, and a home game.

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