Week 3: Lancers pull out a final minute 28-21 win in Middletown

After the Knights quarterback Reese Poffenbarger led the Knights down to tie the game up 21-21, the Lancers got the ball with 1:41 remaining in the game. Two big gains by running back Brady Domroe set the Lancers up at the Knights’ own 44 yard line. On second down and 6, Joey Bruscia took the snap, pump faked and then heaved the ball downfield to Johan Samayoa who was able to make the catch and was 2 yards short of a score. The Lancers would finish off the eventual game-winning drive with a Domroe run and win the game 28-21.

“We had to keep working hard. I trusted Joey would throw the ball right where it needed to be, and I just needed to make the catch,” said Samayoa.

On September 20, the Lancers came into Week 3 of their season going against Poffenbarger and the Knights. The Knights, who just suffered a heart-breaker loss to Urbana in Week 2, came prepared for an explosive game with big plays. The night was filled with some very controversial spots on third downs and some missed calls, but the Lancers were able to prevail.

The Lancers were able to pound the rock, as per usual, and get on the board first when upcoming Lancer star Xander McClure broke off for a 85-yard touchdown run the first play of the Lancers’ second possession. The rushing game wasn’t just through McClure; however, it was through many different outlets such as Domroe lining up as the quarterback and running a read-option with McClure as the back. Between Domroe, McClure, and Bruscia, the rushing totals piled up to 416 rushing yards, 3 Domroe touchdowns, and McClure’s touchdown.

On the defensive side for the Lancers, they had their occasional struggles against not just Poffenbarger but the tall, quick wide receivers for the Knights. The main receivers Poffenbarger went to throughout the Knights included Jayson Houck, Cole Porter, Matthew Mancini, Jalen Huskey and Brian Walker.

The Knights scores were all passes from Poffenbarger to Huskey, Walker, and Gage Queen. Poffenbarger ended the night throwing 22/38, 3 touchdowns, a 2-point conversion and approximately 337 passing yards. However, the 337 yards isn’t confirmed due to the final completion was the last play of the game and wasn’t officially marked. Regardless, the Lancers pass defense will need to improve going forward.

Bruscia said, “We bend but don’t break. Reese is a very good quarterback and we have some things we need to clear up going against Oakdale next week.”

The Lancers (3-0) will face one of their biggest and toughest rivals, the Oakdale Bears (2-0). The game will take place at Oakdale at 7:00 pm. Make sure to follow @Jason_Byrd2021, @linganorefb, @LHSJournalism, and @FrederickSports to get the latest football coverage and go read @john_jcannon for his take on the story.