Extras

KEITH JABLONSKI For The Times Leader

HANOVER TWP. - Midway through the fourth quarter, Dunmore found itself in a dogfight with Hanover Area late in Friday night’s contest, but made just enough big plays to escape Gayewski Memorial Stadium with a 14-6 victory, keeping their perfect season alive.

Dunmore (9-0) did not look sharp on its first two possessions, and was fortunate not to be down by a touchdown after a Hanover Area turnover.

The Hawkeyes (4-5) were driving deep in Dunmore territory on their first possession until running back Mike Reddick fumbled the ball at the 5-yard line.

Hanover Area’s defense then forced Dunmore to go three and out for the second time in as many tries, but a muffed punt by Hawkeyes star Tomas Cabrera seemed to give the Bucks the spark they were missing.

Dunmore then reeled off a six-play, 68-yard drive, capped off by a 43-yard touchdown run by their star running back, Michael Perry, with 1:50 remaining in the first quarter.

Hanover Area threw everything in the playbook at the Bucks, with a mix of runs, passes and even the Wildcat formation featuring Cabrera.

“It’s the end of the season,” said Hanover Area coach Ron Hummer after the game. “Why hold back? Cabrera is an exceptional player, and he’s dangerous whenever he touches the ball. He made a couple of nice runs for us.

“He dropped a couple passes, which is rare for him, but he made up for it with some nice defensive plays.”

Reddick did redeem himself after his fumble, breaking off a 51-yard run down to the Dunmore 3-yard line. Reddick finished off the drive two plays later with a 1-yard touchdown run.

Hanover Area’s two-point conversion came up empty, leaving the game at 7-6 Dunmore midway through the second quarter.

“Our kids really fought hard today,” said Hummer. “They showed a lot of heart and a lot of pride. I’m really happy with their performance.”

Dunmore was threatening early in the third quarter, until quarterback Dave Olivetti fumbled at the Hanover 2-yard line.

The Hawkeyes used the momentum and put together a nice drive, chewing up a good portion of the quarter and taking the ball down to the Dunmore 6-yard line.

Cabrera then lined up in the Wildcat and ran off tackle for a 6-yard touchdown run, but a holding penalty negated the play. Reddick then missed the go-ahead 27-yard field goal wide right.

Dunmore was running out the clock late in the fourth quarter when Perry broke a 15-yard touchdown run to seal the victory with less than three minutes remaining.