No postseason, but much for seven-win team to be proud of
By Mike McGann, Editor, UnionvilleTImes.com
Unionville's Mason Popham breaks up a pass while covering Kennett's Anthony Torello.
KENNETT SQUARE — Going into the game, they knew this was it. The members of Unionville’s football team realized that the math was against them and win or lose against neighboring Kennett, their 2010 high school football season would end at the final whistle.
There would be no return to the state playoffs — and no chance for even a share of the Ches-Mont American Division title, after West Chester Rustin finished undefeated.
But seemingly seconds after the opening whistle, it seemed like the season could be over before half time — and not in a way the Indians would have imagined before kickoff. But despite being down 14-0 in the first quarter and spending most of the game trailing, the Indians stormed back late to hold off the plucky Blue Demons, 35-21, Saturday afternoon.
“It was a war — and we expected that,” Indians Head Coach Pat Clark said afterward. “I think coach (Scott) Green is doing a great job with that program, they’re young, they get everybody back and they’re competitive. But I’m really proud of our guys at the end. Our seniors provided leadership for us at the end and we got the job done at the end.”
Unionville quarterback Connor Gades hands off to Mason Popham against Kennett.
It took just 14 seconds for things to go from disappointing to down right scary for Unionville, which finishes the 2010 season with a 7-3, 5-1 in the Ches-Mont American. Tyler Boyer returned the opening kickoff — after Unionville won the toss and opted to kickoff — 87 yards for a score. The frustration mounted when, on the next possession, the Indians drove inside the Blue Demons’ 20 — and came away with no points, missing a field goal. Seconds later option quarterback Barry Tomasetti ripped off a 62-yard touchdown run — and Unionville found itself in a deep hole, 14-0.
“Kennett was explosive to start the game,” Clark said. “Before we blinked, it was 14-0.”
Showing the grit they’ve displayed all season, the Indians took the ball on their own eight and proceeded to march down the field, with quarterback Connor Gades scoring on a 44-yard run.
Story continues, next page
