It was another incredible performance by our Lions, in many ways the most impressive one of the season so far.
For years, South Western has been a difficult place to play, and the Lions were coming off a huge win against Northeastern. Still, Red Lion marched into “The Corral” and blitzed the Mustangs, 42-13.
“It’s a tough place to play, it was their homecoming, everyone knew what a big game that was,” said Lions coach Jesse Shay. “As a coach you are absolutely concerned with a let down from the big game before.”
So why was their no let down? Shay pointed to the leadership of this special group of young men.
“I love these seniors,” he said. “They didn’t let anyone talk or think about Northeastern. This is what you’ve worked for, don’t let it slip away thinking about last week.”
Quarterback Sam Emig once again littered the stat sheet. He ran for 116 yards with three touchdowns, and was 12-of-13 passing for 114 yards - and two more scores.
Dylan Gurreri (100 yards) and Pat Daugherty (72 yards) helped Red Lion pile up 346 yards on the ground, 456 overall and a 27-6 edge in first downs.
Paul Jones was great with six catches, crucial downfield blocking, an interception, plus a pair of nice kick returns. Taylor Uberti caught a highlight-reel touchdown in the second quarter.
“I can’t say enough about the job our offense does,” added Shay. “Our receivers don’t take a play off, plus they block well. Blocking on that level is the difference between an 8-yard run or a 65-yard touchdown.
“They are team-first teammates and players. Credit not only to these kids, but to those families and upbringing they have had.”
Still unbeaten at 6-0 overall and 3-0 in Division I, the Lions have established themselves as the team to beat in the YAIAA. And Shay is fine with that.
“I love being in that position. I don’t want to be the hunter, I want to beat the hunted,” he said. “There is only one person everyone wants to knock off. I am excited for us, for our kids to see what that is like. It is actually fantastic to know you are going to get everyone’s best shot.”
Up next is a home game against a winless New Oxford team that is coming off a 47-0 loss to Central York. Here is the Colonials’ roster.
