Palmieri launches Rams to semifinals

Ryan Palmieri threw for two touchdowns and ran for the winning score to lead Pine-Richland to a 21-14 win against Erie Cathedral Prep in a PIAA Class 5A quarterfinal football game at Pine-Richland.

Cathedral Prep scored on its first possession on a 4yard run by Dajoure Hollingsworth with 8:51 left in the first quarter.

Pine-Richland had an excellent scoring opportunity later in the quarter. Palmieri connected with Bradford Gelly for 60 yards, which gave the Rams a first down inside the 10. Four plays later the drive stalled at the 1 when linebacker Josh Koshan stopped Palmieri short of the goal line.

Cathedral Prep added to its lead with 10:52 left in the second quarter when Hollingsworth ran 66 yards.

Pine- Richland scored twice in the last five minutes of the second quarter on passes from Palmieri to tie the score at 14-14. His first was to Bradford Gelly for 6 yards with 4:24 to go. The second was to Luke Rudolph for 8 yards with 48 seconds left.

After a scoreless third quarter, Palmieri scored on an 8-yard run with 2:01 left.

The win moved PineRichland into next weekend’s semifinal against Cocalico.