Spartans pull back from jaws of defeat reviving play-off chances

Photo courtesy John Giammarco

Linebacker John Midili landing one of 11 tackles holding off Blackhawk’s defense during a close Spartan victory.

WPIAL FOOTBALL WEEK 5

MONTOUR 28, BLACKHAWK 21

Montour bounced back from a 14-0 deficit to defeat Blackhawk 28-21 during a tough face-off Oct. 8, reviving the team’s play-off chances after a shaky start to the season.

Two touchdowns behind, the Spartans got on the board during the second quarter through a 30-yard interception returned for six points by James Haseleu. Caleb Williams then tied the score with one of two 70-yard-plus touchdowns of the game.

The other came during the next Spartan possession, where Williams ran a fourth and one play at Montour’s 29-yard line into a 71-yard touchdown to give Montour a 20-14 lead.

The Cougars came back with a 16-yard pass caught by Tyler Heckenthorn to give Blackhawk a 21-20 lead. Williams almost broke another long run for paydirt with a 42-yard run down to the Cougars 16-yard line. Quarterback Jack Wolfe ultimately claimed the touchdown, though, by carrying the ball over the line through two short runs. With 6:48 left on the clock, the Spartans opted for a two-point conversion, extending their lead to 28-21.

Flashes of lightning stopped play for 90 minutes with 5:56 left in the fourth quarter. After returning to the field, Blackhawk made one late charge, which was stopped short by an interception from Brock Janeda.

-Report by Ken Hohman