Pioneers shock the critics to spoil Manheim Central's Homecoming, 40-27

After a spectacular fourth quarter comeback only seven days ago, the Pioneers were prepared to face a highly favored Manheim Central team. LNP unanimously picked the Barons to trump the Pioneers, but of course this is why you play the game, you never know what will happen.
The Pioneers surprised everyone including the experts with their stunning upset over Manheim Central.
Pictures by Maya Pieters.
L-S started very strong right, forcing two three and outs on the Barons' first two possessions and getting ahead on the scoreboard with two touchdowns, one a long pass to George Grau and the other a long pass to Jordan Boynton. After a failed two point conversion, the Pioneers were quickly ahead 13-0, and the Barons were seemingly dazed and confused.
On his 18th birthday, Bear Shank led the
Pioneers to an upset victory over Manheim
Central on their Homecoming
Photo courtesy of Mr. Mark Thiboldeaux
All rights reserved: markthiboldeaux.com


The game looked like it would continue on its path but the next possession the Barons got a roughing the passer call on third and long and their first first down of the game. This would eventually lead to a Baron QB scramble for a TD. Not ready to give up, the Pioneers were next to score after a long kick return to midfield by Shane Lawler followed by a 38-yard TD pass to Andrew Hay.


After driving down the field after the L-S score, the Barons threw an interception to Chad Gaudino, but the Pioneers handed right back on a lost fumble leading to a Baron TD run and now a 19-14 L-S lead. Bear would then make his only mistake of the night by throwing an interception on the first play after the kickoff, eventually leading to another Baron TD run and a 21-19 Baron lead. The Pioneers did not trail for long, scoring off of a long run by Shane Lawler followed by a 1-yard Bear Shank TD run. L-S would go into halftime leading 26-21.


The rest of the game included much less scoring. L-S led for the entire second half, scoring on two more Bear Shank TD passes, one to Caleb Lopez and the other to Jordan Boynton. Bear finished the night with 5 passing touchdowns, 1 rushing touchdown, 1 interception and a fumble recovery on defense. Certainly a very strong showing against a highly ranked Baron’s team. And oh by the way, Bear turned 18 today -- happy birthday!


The Barons had one more TD in the fourth quarter, but L-S blocked the extra point and the game ended 40-27 L-S. Other key players not mentioned above include Kyle Metz, who played well on defense amassing a tackle for a loss and a sack, and Joey Dreer, who returned to the field to anchor the defense at middle linebacker and was able to make key tackles to slow the Baron rushing attack. Overall the Pioneers played very well, far exceeding expectations, and look very prepared for next week's game against Lancaster Catholic at L-S.

--Kevin Reed, LSNews.org Football Reporter

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