BY JEFF FALK
Sometimes they are things to behold, things of utter beauty. Other times, they ar down right nasty and ugly.
But in the final tally, when they’re calculating those ever-important power rating points, a win is a win.
On Monday night in Duncannon, the Palmyra football team did not earn itself any style points. But it did return home with a 14-13 road win over Susquenita.
With the win, Palmyra improved to 4-0 overall. The contest was postponed from Friday due to heavy rains.
The difference in the outcome was Cougar kicker Matt Smoluk’s two successful extra-points, and Preston Bare’s block of the Blackhawks’ second PAT. And eventually, Palmyra’s ability to come back.
Susquenita led 13-0 early in the third quarter before the Cougars got things rolling. Senior linebacker Jon Hicks’ return of a fumble recovery cut Palmyra’s deficit to 13-7.
Then, Palmyra drove for a short Mason-Laudermilch-touchdown plunge and subequent decisive extra point. Partly due to the saturated playing surface, Bare, the Cougars’ star running back, was held to less than 70 yards rushing.
It was Bare’s lowest rushing output of the campaign, but he is still the second-leading ground-gainer in the midstate area.
If Palmyra can split its remaining six games, it would almost undoubtedly secure the first postseason berth in program history.
Palmyra will host Steel-High on Friday.
Elsewhere in scholastic football on Monday evening:
Lampeter-Strasburg 42, Lebanon 0
At Lampeter, the Cedars endured a disappointing loss at the hands of the defending Section Two champion Pioneers. L-S led 28-0 in the second quarter and most of the second half was played under a running clock brought about by the mercy rule.
After two impressive wins to start the season, Lebanon High has now suffered back-to-back losses and stands at 2-2 overall and 0-1 in Section Two of the Lancaster-Lebanon League. The Pioneers improved to 3-1 on the year and 1-0 in the circuit.
Lampeter-Strasburg’s punishing running attack battered the Cedars for more than 300 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s vaunted air game was held in check most of the evening.
The Cedars were without two of their most potent weapons, Isaiah Baker and Tyler Antal, for varying reasons.
Lebanon will entertain Garden Spot on Friday.
Pequea Valley 38, Annville-Cleona 6
In Annville, the Little Dutchmen fell to the Braves for the first time in program history. Annville-Cleona scored first to take a 6-0 lead, but after that it was all Pequea Valley.
The loss dropped Annville-Cleona to 1-2 on the season and 0-1 in Section Three of the Lancaster-Lebanon League. Pequea Valley improved to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in the section.
The Little Dutchmen drove the length of the field to take their short-lived lead. Two long completions from quarterback Tyson Hayes, set up a short touchdown run by the senior signal-caller.
Traditionally pass-happy Pequea Valley rushed the ball over 50 times for more than 300 yards on the ground.
The Section Three clash was postponed from Friday by wet weather conditions.
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