Pasquerilla East quarterback Leslie Follmler's pass fell to the ground in the corner of the end zone Sunday, taking with it Pasquerilla East's hopes as the Pyros lost, 16-12, to Welsh Family at the West Quad fields.
Follmer drove her team nearly the length of the field in the final minutes. On fourth and goal, needing a touchdown to win, Follmer lofted a pass toward the corner of the end zone and the ball fell incomplete just beyond the reach of two Pyro receivers.
The Whirlwinds took the lead when freshman Jenni Gargola caught a pass from quarterback Melissa Sands in stride and sprinted the rest of the way to the end zone. This was just one play after Megan Conway, a Pyro wideout, caught a touchdown pass after a long Pasquerilla East drive to put the Pyros up 12-8.
At halftime the score stood at 8-6 in favor of the Whirlwinds. Follmer began the game's scoring with a touchdown run in the opening minutes for a quick 6-0 Pyro lead, while Welsh Family receiver Megan Bushelle scored two series later on a catch-and-run from Sands.
Bushelle also caught the following two point conversion that made it 8-6 in favor of the Whirlwinds.The first half, played in a steady rain, saw the passing game for both squads affected as dropped passes and shaky throws were seen on both sides. By the second half, with the rain slowing to a light drizzle, offensives of both teams began seeing more success.
It wasn't enough success, however, for Pasquerilla East captain Megan Wysoki, who was adamant about needing the offense to perform better.
"We need to put some points on the board," Wysoki said.
Sands, the Whirlwinds' captain, was satisfied with the hard-fought victory. She also spoke admirably about the play of the Pyro defense saying
"They were extremely fast out on the field, especially their defensive line," Sands said. "They took away the running game as well as most of our offense in the first half. They definitely forced us to make adjustments at halftime."
Sands also credited her teammates, especially the receivers.
"Bushelle was our offense in the first half, and Gargola, even though she's just a freshman, made a great play [on her touchdown catch]," Sands said.
McGlinn 6, Pangborn 0
The Shamrocks brought their best game despite the pouring rain and slick field conditions Sunday and shut out Pangborn.
With about 10 minutes remaining in the game, McGlinn's offense got a chance to shine. Senior quarterback Becky Brown lofted a 40-yard pass to freshman Jen Fedyna in the end zone. The Shamrocks failed to convert on the extra point, but the touchdown was good enough for the win.
The game started off much like the weather, messy and unpredictable. Neither offensive team was able to put points up in the first half.
"It was a defensive battle," Brown said.
Both teams realized that the slick conditions would have a negative impact on their games. The rain made it nearly impossible for the quarterbacks to complete decent passes to their receivers.
Relying on their running games, the Shamrocks and Phoxes both threatened to score in the first half, but neither team was able to come through.
The second half started out much like the first. Rain fell even heavier and both teams continued to rely on their running games.
Both defensive teams looked strong, but McGlinn's looked especially so as both Jess Fedor and Sally Head snagged interceptions. From that point on, the game was a defensive struggle.
Pangborn's offense continually tried to break through the McGlinn defense, but was denied.
McGlinn had just as much trouble on its offensive end. Both teams' experienced defenses proved they were capable of holding the other's offense where they were.
McGlinn has plenty of confidence as it heads into next week's game against Welsh Family.
Pangborn will have to revaluate its game as the Phoxes prepare for Farley.
"We need to work really hard in practice this week," Mooney said.
Notes:
uSunday's game between Breen-Phillips and Farley was cancelled. It has been rescheduled for 10 p.m. Tuesday Oct. 4 at Stepan Fields.
