Streak snapped, Dawgs down Spartans 42-28
Written by: Frank Kastreva on Saturday, September 21st, 2013. Follow Frank Kastreva on Twitter.
Berwick uses second half to surge by rival Valley West
By Frank Kastreva, Berwickdawgs.com
BERWICK- Coming into tonight’s game between Valley West and Berwick not one player on the Spartan’s sideline had suffered the experience of defeat by the Berwick Bulldogs, winning the last four tilts against the Dawgs. That all change tonight at Crispin field as the Berwick Bulldogs broke the streak to the tune of 42-28 in a most entertaining ballgame.
Things did not start well for the Dawgs in this one, fumbling the pigskin away on only their third play from scrimmage. Valley West would capitalize on the Dawg’s miscue going 39 yards on five plays with Jr. RB Eric Acosta capping the drive on a 20 yard scamper. Jr. K Ian Ultsh would nail the PAT and the Spartans had the early 7-0 lead.
The Dawgs answered right back on their ensuing possession going 51 yards on nine plays with Jr. RB Nate Maczuga capping things off on a 13 yard scamper. Jr. K Olivia Seely nailed the PAT, with the score Dawgs 7, Spartans 7.
Berwick would take the lead on their very next drive after a three and out by the defense. Sr. QB C.J Curry capped the 49 yard scoring drive on a two yard jaunt. Seely’s PAT was no good, with the score Dawgs 13, Spartans 7.
Valley West again answered back on their next series putting together a 65 yard scoring drive using 12 plays to find paydirt. Capping the drive that extended into the 2nd quarter was Sr. RB Troy Yashinski on a 20 yard scamper. Ultsh nailed the PAT, with the score Spartans 14, Dawgs 13.
Just like a big prize fight, the Dawgs again fought back with another scoring drive on their very next series. This time going 61 yards on 11 plays with Sr. FB Jorden Stout capping things off on a nine yard jaunt. Berwick would go for two successfully with Maczuga finding the goldzone via the ground, with the score Dawgs 21, Spartans 14.
Valley West looked like they would again answer back before the end of the half, but fumbled the pigskin away on the one yard line after a 43 yard reception. The Dawgs Sr. DB Andrew Wenner would recover the ball in the endzone and the half would end with the score Dawgs 21, Spartans 14.
The Spartans would tie things up with 6:05 left in the 3rd quarter after an interception from Sr. Michael Baur. Five plays later the Spartans would find paydirt on a 20 yard reception from Baur to So. TE L.J. Wesneski. The PAT was good, with the score Dawgs 21, Spartans 21.
Berwick answered right back taking the lead for good with Maczuga ripping off a 31 yard scamper to the goldzone. The PAT was good, with the score Dawgs 28, Spartans 21.
Berwick’s Sr. RB Dain Kowalski was the next to find paydirt for the Dawgs, capping a 53 yard scoring drive on a three yard jaunt. Seely nailed the PAT, with the score Dawgs 35, Spartans 21.
The Dawgs would salt things away after a fumble recovery by Sr. LB Ian Mazonkey, due to the hit by Sr. DL Jordan Stout. Seven plays later Kowalski ripped off a 20 yard scamper capping the 61 yard scoring drive, with the score Dawgs 42, Spartans 21.
Valley West would find the endzone one last time on the night with Acosta rushing it in from nine yards out, with the final score Dawgs 42, Spartans 28.
Berwick would finish with 380 total yards offense compared to the Spartan’s 303 yards. The Dawgs would rush for 254 yards on 42 carries with Maczuga getting 75 yards, Kowalski with 65 yards, Trenholm with 28 yards, Talanca with 16 yards and Stout with 49 yards. Curry would finish with 126 yards passing.
Jr. RB Nate Maczuga before tonight’s game only had five carries in the first three games compared to most of the workload on the ground tonight.
“I really did not know I would get the ball as much as I did tonight, I’m glad I could contribute. I love getting out there and playing,” said Maczuga.
As for Sr. QB Curry he was all smiles after the game. “This is just awesome, words can’t describe how great this feels right now. I’m going to enjoy this win for tonight, then get back in the weight room tomorrow morning and start thinking about Selinsgrove.”
Selinsgrove will be the Dawgs next test as they host the Seals next Friday night at Crispin Field. Selinsgrove will come in with a 3-1 record and always plays Berwick tough. It should be another great test for the Dawgs as they look to move to 5-0 on their quest for Hershey gold.
Until next week…happy football!
Stats compiled by Chris Dawe.
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September 21st, 2013 at 1:49 pm
selinsgrove isn’t really that good now that they’re star running back is unable to participate due to a heart condition. poor kid. selinsgrove lost to shikellamy who just lost to lewisburg. i know you have to play the game but i don’t think the seals will do much damage now. i hope they prove me wrong though.
September 21st, 2013 at 3:42 am
Nice win for the Bulldogs against a tough Spartan team. If they beat Selinsgrove & Coughlin I guarantee the Bulldogs will finish the regular season 10-0 as WVW, Selinsgrove & Coughlin are the only good teams they play all year. Everything’s going according to the Curry blueprint…beat up the patsy WVC AAAA & AAA teams to rack up huge playoff points and earn a very high seed.
September 21st, 2013 at 12:28 am
..hey? How bout them Dawgs!