While winning the YAIAA Division I title likely didn’t come as a surprise to those around the Red Lion football program this season, doing it with a week to play in the regular season may have.
But that’s exactly what happened, as the Lions wrapped up the league regular season championship with their 42-7 win at Spring Grove, combined with Dallastown’s loss to Central York.
Lions coach Jesse Shay knew that 2016 could be a special season and Red Lion winning the league title outright for the first time since 2003 proves it.
“We were expecting big things out of these kids, but at the same time, they are kids. You don’t really know what you are going to get,” Shay said. “To do this with a week to go, knowing one of the goals has already been taken care of, is nice.”
Of course, now it means the unbeaten Lions (9-0), who are ranked fourth in the District 3 Class 6A power rankings, are looking to build of its success.
“Because we continue to win we have a new goal in mind. It’s gratifying that this group put their mind to something and were able to see it through the end,” said Shay.
After a close first half, the Lions exploded for three third quarter touchdowns and marched to the win. Dylan Gurreri ran for 153 yards and a touchdown and Pat Daugherty ran for two scores and caught another. Sam Emig did what he has done all season and Taylor Uberti caught another TD pass in a total effort.
“We had to go there and win, and had to go there and win on their senior night,” said Shay. “Spring Grove played a fantastic first half. We only had the ball three times, that’s a testament to them. Our kids responded in the second half.
“Throughout this year we have become a better, more diverse team, which is what we needed to do. By having more people involved it will give opponents more things to worry about.”
The senior leadership, which has been the team’s strong point all year, will be called upon this week as the Lions will play rival Dallastown, which has revenge on its mind.
In 2015, it was the Wildcats that entered the rivalry game unbeaten, only to lose to Red Lion, 26-0. Coach Kevin Myers and his Dallastown crew would love to exact retribution.
“That’s nice about the senior leaders, they get the big picture,” Shay said. “We have already talked about that as a team. The Wildcats are going to absolutely want to return the favor.”
Here is the Dallastown roster.
