The Lions improved to 3-0 on Friday with a 31-10 win over Chambersburg. But what makes the victory more special is the way Red Lion won, outgaining the visitors from Franklin County 398 yards to 155.
Sam Emig put on another show for Red Lion with three rushing touchdowns, plus a 38-yard field goal. The quarterback was also 11-of-16 passing. Dylan Guerreri ran for 123 yards.
“Sam Emig is turning into the quarterback we all hoped he could be. He is mister everything for us,” coach Jesse Shay said. “Against Daniel Boone we did not throw the ball very well. I was curious to see how he would respond. He did very well. We relaxed because of his leadership.”
After some adjustments, the Lions’ defense was terrific, limiting the Trojans to 155 yards of offense, nearly 100 of which came on the first two drives and the final one against reserves, they had 60 yards of offense.
“Those first two drives our defensive line was way too high. We made some adjustments moving personnel around and the defense came around,” said Shay.
The coach was also pleased with how the team played in a game it was favored to win against a large school that plays a difficult schedule.
“It was not a trap game. We’ve been talking about no matter where you are, historical or trying to build a program, you cannot rest on previous success. We were 2-0, but so what?” Shay said.
“That was not the goal when we started the season. Our goal was to not get two wins. We have a lot more to accomplish this season. I like the way we have progressed through these first three games.
Red Lion is 3-0 for the first time since 2007. Shay added, “it’s our job as coaches to make sure the guys handle that.”
Of note, defensive line coach Ron Johnson had a unique challenge on Friday night, with his son, Tyler Collier, lining up at quarterback for Chambersburg. Shay said that Johnson “did fantastic with it.”
The YAIAA Division I opener at William Penn has been moved to noon on Saturday. Check out the Bearcats roster.
