By Hanna Duenkel

What could only be called “Round Two” of the Broad Run versus Tuscarora football game ended in a similar fashion, with Tuscarora defeating Broad Run for the second time this season.  The final score of the game was 35-14. The Spartans were knocked out of the playoffs, ending their season 10-4.

It only took 2 minutes and 27 seconds of the game for Tuscarora’s senior Noah Reimers to run the ball 54 yards for the first touchdown of the game. Once junior kicker Finley Underhill completed the extra point kick, the Huskies were up 7-0, creating a strong series of drives that the Spartans tried to defend against. The next touchdown came with 18.2 seconds left in the first quarter, when Reimers ran the ball again to the endzone. The Huskies ended the first quarter leading 14-0.

“Noah was great as always, said head Coach Michael Burnett. “But I felt our entire team played well both on offense and on defense.”

Due to the slippery field, there were multiple fumbles for each team, creating short but effective run based drives that ended either with a wrong snap or a turnover on downs.

The Spartans put their first of two touchdowns on the board with 7 minutes and 27 seconds left in the first half.  It was an eight yard dash by senior Tyriek King that brought the Spartans one touchdown closer to catching up with the Huskies. With a completed extra point kick by junior William Sherman, the score became 14-7 in favor of the home team.

Junior quarterback Daniel Smith brought the Huskies back on track increasing the score to 21-7 with 23.8 seconds left in the half.

A slow second half ensued, with a combined three touchdowns between the two teams.  Reimers had his third score of the day in the third quarter, with 1 minute and four seconds left in the quarter after being called out of bounds just inches from the goalline.  The Huskies widened their lead to 28-7.

“We spent a lot more time as a team studying what happened during the first game, said Burnett. “I think we learned a lot from our mistakes and had a much better plan.”

The Huskies made their last touchdown 8 minutes and 12 seconds left in the game. Broad Run’s senior Chuck Davis scored the Spartans’ second touchdown.

“[Broad Run] changed up things.  They tried to work with us a bit.  Honestly, it didn’t matter.  We definitely out worked them in both games and it didn’t really make a difference what they did.  We were going to beat them either way,” said junior lineman Tony Amado.

Tuscarora moves on to the state semifinals facing Massaponax High School this Friday, December 5th at Fortune Field. This will be the first time the two teams play against each other.

“Massaponax is a very fast team and we have to be prepared by working hard this week in practice,” said Burnett.