Springdale relies on air attack in Eastern Conference win over Leechburg

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, September 23, 2017 | 12:18 AM

If making a statement was Springdale's goal, the Dynamos accomplished it in dominating fashion in a 53-13 Class A Eastern Conference win over Leechburg Friday at Veterans Memorial Field.

The Dynamos (2-3, 1-1) are normally known for their rushing attack, but it was the passing game that stole the show. Springdale junior quarterback Josh Jones had a career day, passing for 123 yards and three touchdowns. All three scores came in the first half and came on his first three throws of the night.

Springdale coach Seth Napierkowski couldn't have been more pleased with his quarterback's performance.

“He's really come a long way,” Napierkowski said. “If you would've told me he would've played like that at the start of the season I wouldn't have believed it. He's worked really hard and has bought into what we're teaching. He continues to get better every single week. It's awesome to see.”

Leechburg (0-5, 0-4) struggled to get anything going offensively, and surrendered touchdowns on all seven of Springdale's first-half drives.

“Springdale executed very well and played aggressively,” Leechburg coach Mark George said. “They kicked our butts in the first half. That's what happened. I just told the boys we didn't practice well at all this week. You play like you practice, and we played like we practiced.”

After a Leechburg punt to begin the game, Jones opening the scoring on Springdale's third offensive play, a 64-yard pass to senior receiver Devin Wilks to give Springdale a 7-0 lead.

On Springdale's next possession, facing a third and goal, Jones found senior running back Josh Harmon for a 9-yard score.

Jones' third touchdown of the quarter came after a Leechburg turnover, an interception by senior cornerback Dylan Hargenrader. On first and 10 from the Leechburg 15, Jones found sophomore receiver Christian Vokes for the touchdown to make the score 26-0.

Harmon led Springdale in rushing with 108 yards and one touchdown on three carries. Wilks caught two passes for 100 yards and a score.

“The big hogs up front did a tremendous job up front opening holes,” Napierkowski said. “They got a great push up front. Not just the lineman, the running backs who were blocking and the wide receivers who were blocking. It was a great job all around.”

Leechburg got on the board late in the fourth quarter with a 7-yard run by sophomore running back Jake Blumer, who led the Blue Devils with 89 yards on 25 carries. Freshman quarterback Dylan Cook scored on a 13-yard run on Leechburg's final drive.

D.J. Vasil is a freelance writer

Tags: Leechburg, Springdale