Lebanon shows grit in comeback.

Lebanon had not won a game against Hanover in 6 years and it didn't look as though this year would be any different as Freshman Shawn Cavallaro took the opening kickoff 80+ yards, to the house. The PA attempt was good 7-0 Hanover.

Lebanon struggled on their next possession. Still looking a little shell shocked, they were forced to punt. Hanover proceeded to march down the field ending on a 15 yard Carney TD pass to Rothwell-Ferraris...PA attempt good Hanover up 14-0.

The Raiders next possession wasn't much different as they were forced to punt again. Carney led his team down the field again ending on a Staiger dive right up the gut, PA Attempt good, Hanover up 21-0.

This blogger happened to notice the Trinity crew up in the stands taking notes, etc...and I found myself wondering how long they might stay. Surely they weren't seeing a whole lot  that might concern them...right? Then the game got absolutely crazy.

Senior QB Jon Roth led the Raiders down the field deep into Hanover territory. Then on a fourth and long drops back to pass and hit Sophmore RB Dylan Drew coming out of the back field for a big 15 yard gain and the all important 1st down.

That drive then appeared to stall out at the Hanover 5yd line as Staiger and company stacked the Raiders up 3 separate times leaving them at 4th and 5. Roth then connected with All State Senior Cody Patch for a 5yd TD. PA Attempt good 21-7 Hanover.

After a 3 and out for Hanover, Roth led the Raiders to another score on an 18 yard TD Pass to his TE. PA Attempt no good 21-13 Hanover as the halftime horn sounded, and the place was absolutely rocking. The packed Raider field was  incredibly loud with Marauder fans chanting and cheering and Raider fans doing the same (it was an almost college atmosphere).

As the 3rd Quarter started Roth then took his team methodically down the field marching 70 plus yards over 8 minutes, 10 plus plays, culminating in a 1 yard QB Keeper. Score 21-19 Hanover. The Raiders then went for the 2 point conversion hoping to tie the game.

The ball was placed on the left-most hash and Roth took the snap and rolled to his right. Instead of passing, he took a gamble and ran it into the end zone. As he crossed the goal line he was absolutely rocked in a hit that removed his helmet from his head. Though woozy he was able to stay in the now tied up game 21-21.

By this time momentum had clearly shifted and as the Raider Defense stopped Hanover cold (Jr. Linebacker Chris Barker was an absolute animal in this game...particularly in the 4th quarter.

Hanover's defense held tight though, as the Raiders ran the ball in what seemed like alternating sequence of pounding runs from Patch and Drew, Patch and Drew, methodically marching down the field. They arrived at the 1 yard line. Staiger, and the rest of the Hanover D line held them solid forcing a fumble on the 1 yard line which was pounced on by Carney.

Carney was then picked 3 plays later by Justing Judd who returned it to the 10 yard line. After pounding it to the 5 yard line, Carney was able to scoop up another fumble by the Raiders and ran it back up field. However the Raider Defense held Hanover in check and they were forced to punt. The punt seemed to shank off the side of the punters foot which left the ball at the 50 yard line with just over a minute on the clock.

Then it got even crazier. After successive run, and short passes by Drew, Patch and Barker, the Raiders found themselves looking at a 40ish yard field goal with 3 seconds to go.

Justin Judd nailed the field goal as time expired, comeback complete, and the place absolutely exploded. Game over Lebanon wins 24-21 and it was an amazing night of football and it ranks up there with one of the best football games I have ever seen. This was one of those games that left you feeling sad that either team had to lose.