Lycoming Comes From Behind to Sting Widener  Warriors Rally Late, Bury Pioneers

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. --- Lycoming College got off to a slow start Saturday afternoon at David Person Field, falling behind Widener 12-0 entering the fourth quarter.  However, Frank Girardi’s Warriors came to life in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 unanswered points to stun the Pioneers (0-2). 

The entire first quarter could be summed up in one word, stalemate.  Both defenses were extremely effective against the run, and passing yards were coming at a premium.  All but one possession of the period ended in a punt, the exception was a Tim Mahoney (Southampton, Pa.) interception, his second in as many games.  Mahoney also contributed four total tackles and a pass breakup in the contest. 

Widener drew first blood late in the second quarter, scoring with just 1:51 left in the half.  The point after attempt was blocked by sophomore defensive lineman Chris Tribanas (Lansdale, Pa.). 

In the third, Widener finally took advantage of their excellent field possession, scoring on a four-yard touchdown run at the end of a drive that began at the Lycoming 41.  The extra point was again blocked, this time by junior linebacker Dustin Heintzelman (Herndon, Pa.). 

Two possessions later, Widener punted to the senior Matt Murdock (Elysburg, Pa.) who returned the kick 39 yards to the Widener 46, giving the Warriors their best field position of the day.  To begin the fourth quarter, Lycoming put together a seven play, 46 yard drive culminating with a Glenn Smith (Watsontown, Pa.) touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Tony Kopp (Saint Mary’s, Pa.).  This marked the second time that Kopp and Smith have connected for a score this season.

Widener began piecing together a long drive, running nearly six minutes off the clock via the running game.  On third and six from the Lycoming 21, Widener’s quarterback lofted a pass into the end zone that was intercepted by senior defensive back Ryan Repko (Perkiomenville, Pa.) and returned an astounding 63 yards to the Widener 37 yard line. 

The ensuing possession took only six plays and resulted in another Warrior touchdown, this time on a 4-yard quarterback draw by Smith, putting Lycoming up for good.  Tony Kopp caught a two-point conversion to put the Blue and Gold ahead by a field goal. 

After giving up a first down, Lycoming’s defense tightened up, and senior defensive lineman Dave VanNort (Montrose, Pa.) sacked the Widener quarterback on fourth and two to seal the victory.  VanNort finished the game with eight solo tackles and nine total tackles.  He also recorded three tackles for a combined loss of 14 yards.

The Warriors continue MAC action next weekend as they travel to Delaware Valley (1-1) for a 1 PM kickoff.