Pottsgrove 53, Pope John Paul II 14

Pottsgrove quarterback Tony Hudgins scampers around the end past Pope John Paul II's Tim Tadros for a nice gain during Friday's game. (Photo/Tom Kelly III)

 
By Don Seeley
dseeley@pottsmerc.com

LOWER POTTSGROVE — Zach Birch feels good when he walks off the football field with a win, even better when the fellas behind him played a major role in the win.

So Pottsgrove’s 5-foot-10, 210-pound center, as well as guards Anthony Pond and Tom Sephakis, tackles Patrick Finn and Madison O’Connor, and tight ends Jeff Adams and Henry Miller, were all feeling pretty darn good after opening their Pioneer Athletic Conference schedule Friday night with a 53-14 rout of visiting Pope John Paul II.

The Falcons’ offensive line dominated, springing Mark Dukes for a game-high 135 yards and four touchdowns; quarterback Tory Hudgins for another 78 and a touchdown; and Nick Brennan for yet another 65 yards. Even backups Devon Fink and Marquis Barefield combined for 72 yards and two score as the hosts ran up 350 yards that, combined with Hudgins’ three tosses for 94 more, added up to a very satisfying 444 yards of offense.

“We don’t need to mess around with our blocking schemes, but we still need to improve,” Birch said. “Winning the game is satisfying. But we know if we do well our running backs will, too. If we do our job it means we’ll usually win.”

There was no question the unsung and often unknown front set the tone from the outset.

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Pottsgrove quarterback Tory Hudgins is pursued by Pope John Paul II's Justice Smith and a group of Panthers on a carry during Friday's PAC-10 game. (Photo/Tom Kelly III)

Pope John Paul II quarterback James Bleming throws a pass during Friday's PAC-10 game against Pottsgrove. (Photo/Tom Kelly III)

 

Pottsgrove's Mark Dukes avoids a tackle on a carry during Friday's PAC-10 game. (Photo/Tom Kelly III)

Pope John Paul II's Tim Tadros runs for extra yards after a nice reception as Pottsgrove's Qwahdir Miller makes the tackle during Friday's PAC-10 game. (Photo/Tom Kelly III)