Montour pulls away in 2nd half of win over Mars

By: Antonio Rossetti
Friday, August 25, 2023 | 11:59 PM

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The Montour Spartans defeated the Mars Fightin’ Planets in Week Zero action Friday night at the Mars Athletic Complex, 37-28.

Montour led 10-7 at halftime but had an offensive explosion in the second half, scoring 27 points.

The offense was spearheaded by Jake Wolfe, who completed 12 of 22 passes for for 198 yards and a touchdown.

Wolfe also scored two touchdowns on the ground, rushing for 104 yards on 16 carries.

“My O-line played phenomenal,” Wolfe said. “The defense made stops … the whole coaching staff put out a great game plan. We made adjustments at halftime, and then we executed at the end.”

Caden Halajcio also had an impressive game, running for 133 yards on 19 carries.

Halajcio caught his first career touchdown pass in the second quarter, which was a moment he will never forget.

“It was just a great feeling,” Halajcio said. “You just don’t know how to really react when you’re in the end zone. Everything just goes black, and you’re just too hype.”

Wolfe commented on the potential of Halajcio.

“He’s a dog,” Wolfe said. “I told him I the can go D-1. He’s really good, really talented. He has a good mindset, he makes plays and he’s a good kid as well.”

As good as the running attack was, the Spartans got it done early through the air.

The Spartans started the opening drive with a 45-yard pass from Wolfe to Daniel Batch. Wolfe then found Keino Fitzpatrick for 20 yards, setting them up at the Mars 15-yard line.

The Spartans found the end zone with a pass from Wolfe to Batch, but it was negated after a penalty for an illegal man downfield.

The Planets held the Spartans to a field goal. Matt Marcinko drilled it through from 36 yards making 3-0.

After exchanging stops, Montour finally drew first blood on a 4-yard touchdown pass from Wolfe to Halajcio.

Soon after, the Planets had a three-and-out. There was a bad snap that sailed over Mason Childress’ head. He recovered the ball and managed to punt to the Mars’ 20-yard line, setting Montour up within the red zone.

Montour was unable to capitalize after a missed 45-yard field-goal attempt.

Mars then strung together a series of passes for a strong drive that was capped off by a 9-yard run for Evan Wright, making it 10-7.

Montour held Mars on the first drive of the second half. The Spartans followed with a touchdown drive that ended with an 8-yard Wolfe touchdown run.

The Fightin’ Planets responded quickly, scoring a touchdown in less than 2 minutes. Luke Goodworth connected with Wright on a 21-yard shovel pass to score. That made it 16-14 Montour after Childress knocked through the extra point.

The Spartans marched right back down with a 36-yard pass to Batch, getting to the Mars 3-yard line. After a 5-yard penalty on Montour, the Planets took a stand in red zone, holding Montour to a 24-yard field goal and a 19-14 lead.

On the first play of the next drive, Wright took off for an 80-yard touchdown run, giving Mars its first lead of the game, 21-19. The play electrified the Mars student section.

The Spartans responded immediately with a play that got their own student section ecstatic: Fitzpatrick returned the kick 95 yards for a touchdown.

After another blocked PAT, Montour had a 25-21 lead.

Montour stopped Mars on the next drive and had a 56-yard drive that ended with another 19-yard rushing touchdown from Wolfe. The run made it 31-21 after the PAT went wide.

On the next drive, Goodworth found Gabe Hein for a 63-yard touchdown pass to make it 31-28.

The Spartans had a timely stop followed by a drive that ended with a 32-yard touchdown run by Halajcio to make it 37-28 Spartans with 4 minutes, 58 seconds left to play.

After stopping Mars, Montour ran the clock out.

Coach Lou Cerro was happy to see the offensive surge in the second half.

“Mars is a good football team, and we got some firepower kids,” Cerro said. “We’re athletic in spots, and our athletes took over a little bit in the second half. Our offensive line, how bad they played in the first half, played great in second half and we were able to run the ball.”

Cerro said his coaches had a big part in the victory.

“Our offensive staff made some adjustments at halftime and during the game,” Cerro said. “We were able to exploit what they were doing with a little formation mismatch, and so we were able to run the ball when we had to.”

Wolfe said the 95-yard return gave the sparked the team.

“I mean, that was electric,” Wolfe said. “Keino and I go back. … He has a speed and ability to change the game at anytime, as you can see from the game.”

Halajcio agreed with Wolfe’s assessment. He said he believes the team can build off its first win.

“He is a dog, straight dog,” Halajcio said. “I expect everyone to eat on the on the team, the line, the receivers, the running backs, the defense, everyone. Also, too, with Jake Wolfe. A great kid and a great runner too. He’s a dual threat.”

Batch played a key role in the team’s performance as he finished with 128 yards receiving on six receptions.

Montour prepares for a rivalry game vs. Moon next week.

For Mars, Goodworth went 17 of 24, throwing for 243 yard and two touchdowns.

Wright finished with 131 yards on the ground with two touchdowns and also had 51 yards with a score through the air. Hein finished with 166 yards and a touchdown on 11 receptions.

Mars takes on New Castle next week.

Tags: Mars, Montour