Franklin Regional succumbs to undefeated Conrad Weiser in PIAA quarterfinals

By: Jeffrey Kauffman
Saturday, November 9, 2024 | 9:05 PM

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CHAMBERSBURG — Saturday’s final game of a PIAA quadruple-header featured end-to-end action, several highlight-reel saves and feisty exchanges between the Franklin Regional and Conrad Weiser boys soccer teams.

But Weiser got two goals from Abu Barrie to shut out the Panthers, 2-0, in a Class 3A quarterfinal.

Franklin Regional finished its season 16-4-3.

District 3 champion Conrad Weiser (23-0-1) will play Moon in a semifinal Tuesday at a site and time to be determined. Moon defeated Allderdice, 2-1, on Saturday.

Franklin Regional was a bit quicker to the ball early and had two chances, but both were smothered by Scout keeper Tyler Yonavick.

A quick counter by the Scouts resulted in a goal as Barrie tapped one home past Panthers goalkeeper Noah Walker for an early 1-0 lead.

Franklin Regional had several strong end-to-end runs, but Scout keeper Tyler Yonavick was up to the task, coming off his line or being in the right spot to secure the shots. Fabrizzio Costa and Jovan Sankoorikal created a couple of tough chances for the Panthers.

The game was stopped early in the second half after a collision between Walker and a Scout player, prompting cries for a yellow or red card. It was ruled incidental contact.

Conrad Weiser battled through the feistiness and added its second goal as Barrie took a nice pass from Gavin Rapp and slotted it home at the 19:11 mark.

“We knew how strong they were up top and on the defensive back line,” said Panthers coach Nick White. “We knew we were going to have to get at least one goal and possibly a couple to have a chance to win the game. We broke through a couple of times, but that final connection to finish just wasn’t there. This was my first year, but it was tough to talk to those seniors who have meant so much to the program.

“It was tough to tell our kids we played a great game, but we just came up a bit short. Give credit to Conrad Weiser- they are a tough team to play.”

Said Scouts coach Derek Long: “This group has just done everything we have asked them to do this year. They just battled and controlled the field, despite a physical contest. When you have two forwards like Abu and Gavin Rapp, it is tough to defend them. Our defense and keeper Tyler Yonavick were solid again today. You have to give credit to their keeper Noah Walker — he was incredible today. The little things we did are the reason we are moving on.”

Tags: Franklin Regional