Hamburg downs Schuylkill Valley

Hamburg was carried by a trio of running backs on their way to a 21-13, Frost Bowl win over Schuylkill Valley in a Berks Football League Section 2 game on a rainy Friday night at Leesport.

Both teams stuck to the running game throughout, and the heavy rain played a factor for both teams. Hamburg (2-3, 6-3) fumbled twice on its opening possession, but recovered the ball both times.

Schuylkill Valley (1-5, 2-8) fumbled on its last offensive play of the first quarter, and Hamburg’s Charles Sheppard recovered the ball. Hamburg’s Diohnny Ruiz capitalized on the turnover and scored on a 25yard run to give the Hawks the lead early in the second quarter. Ruiz finished with a teamhigh 17 carries for 161 yards and a touchdown.

Schuylkill Valley answered with an 81-yard touchdown pass on the team’s only passing attempt of the first half. Quarterback Michael Goad found Kyle Spotts on the play to tie it at 7-7.

Hamburg retook the lead on the first possession of the second half, capping off the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run from Mitchell Watt.

Schuylkill Valley fumbled on its next drive, and Hamburg took advantage and extended its lead on another touchdown run by Watt, this one from 11 yards. Watt carried 15 times for 65 yards and two touchdowns.

The Panthers scored late in the fourth quarter on a 10-yard pass from Drew Cwampbell to Julian Kemmerer to make it 21-13. Campbell’s two-point conversion attempt was no good.

The ensuing onside kickoff attempt was recovered by Hamburg’s Xander Menapace.

Campbell carried 16 times for 84 yards, and completed 1-of-3 pass attempts for 10 yards and a touchdown.

The teams combined for 11 fumbles; five resulted in turnovers.

Hamburg back Pierce Mason finished with 10 carries for 44 yards.