No. 1 Solanco holds on, advances to 5A semifinal

(This story was produced by LNP/Lancasteronline, and published in partnership with MikeDragoSports.com.)

By Daryl Simione — LNP/Lancasteronline

QUARRYVILLE — Solanco withstood a ferocious comeback bid by Shippensburg and held on to win 42-35 in a District 3 Class 5A quarterfinal Saturday night.

The top-seeded Golden Mules (11-0) opened a large first-half lead only to watch No. 8 Shippensburg (8-4) erupt for 28 second-half points to close the gap.

The Mules held on, getting three rushing touchdowns from quarterback Brody Mellinger and two more from Josiah Forren to advance to the semifinals.

The Mules set the tone with a 16-play, 78-yard drive, capped by Mellinger’s 5-yard keeper, to take a lead they would never relinquish. Mellinger added two more scores and Forren one for a 28-7 lead at the half.

After Forren opened the third quarter with an 18-yard touchdown run, Shippensburg began chipping into the lead.

Trae Kater had touchdown runs of 3 and 13 yards in a span of 57 seconds, thanks in part to an onside kick recovery, to get with 35-21.

Cole Harris (22 carries, 83 yards) opened the fourth quarter with a 3-yard touchdown run, extending Solanco’s lead to 42-21.

Shippensburg quarterback Tucker Chamberlin (15-for-24, 225 yards) threw a 48-yard touchdown to his brother, Tory, and with 3:25 to play and found Kater for a 5-yard score to get the Greyhounds within a touchdown.

Mellinger and company effectually ran out the clock to move on to next week.

Solanco’s vaunted rushing attack chewed up plenty of both turf and game clock, amassing 415 yards on 59 carries.

Mellinger rushed for 126 yards on 17 carries; Forren ran for 176 yards on 14 carries, plus a 30-yard reception.

For Shippensburg, Amari Kerr had 10 carries for 69 yards. Tory Chamberlin had three receptions for 75 yards, and Erby Weller had eight receptions for 88 yards, including a 2-point conversion pass.

Solanco hosts No. 12 Cocalico (8-4) next week.