Everything back to ‘normal’ for the Bulldogs as they remain perfect against Penn Manor
By Jason Guarente — MikeDragoSports.com senior correspondent
MILLERSVILLE – If Penn Manor believed this time was different, that it could finally take down Wilson, that belief was tested from the start.
The Comets’ second play from scrimmage was a lost fumble. The Bulldogs’ third play was a dazzling catch in the end zone.
It looked like old times. Or every time these teams have met.
Wilson rolled over Penn Manor 40-6 in a Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1 opener at Biemesderfer Stadium Friday night. The Bulldogs improved to 30-0 in this rivalry.
“Something we always say is, ‘Set the tone,’ ” Wilson defensive lineman Jon Ramsey said. “We’ve struggled a little bit this year obviously. Right away we came out on fire. I think that did it. Got them to give up early.”
Three losses heading into October felt strange. A blowout win in the L-L? That was more familiar.
“At some point in time the responsibility is on them,” Wilson coach Doug Dahms said. “We put them in position to win. But we can’t play the game for them. Don’t worry about the play before. Don’t worry about the play after. Don’t worry about last week. You go out and do your job. Everyone else will do their job and things will take place.”
The truth is it wasn’t bad history or even a bad start that did in Penn Manor. It was an overpowering performance by Wilson’s defensive line and the return of running back Jadyn Jones.
Ramsey and Nick Weitzel at end and Dominic Memmo and Elian Rodriguez at tackle were a force. The Bulldogs’ defense held Penn Manor to 2 net rushing yards.
“We were struggling early on in the season,” Weitzel said. “Being called questionable and all that. We’re a little undersized. But we have speed rushers. We’ve got a good line. We’re working as a team. I think we’re gonna go far together.”
T.J. Flite was the one to set the tone this time. The linebacker recovered the early fumble and made a hard-to-believe, one-handed grab on a pass from Brad Hoffman for an 18-yard touchdown. Wilson was ahead 7-0 after just 2:10.
Penn Manor (4-2) entered the night with the best record in the section and was coming off emotional wins over Warwick and Solanco. All signs pointed to the Comets having a real shot to end their losing streak in this series.
Wilson refused to give Penn Manor any hope. Jadyn Jones scored the next two touchdowns on short runs before Cameron Jones’ 70-yard punt return made it 26-0 at halftime.
Jadyn Jones finished with 156 yards rushing and three TDs. It was his first game back after serving a two-game PIAA suspension for being ejected against Exeter in Week 3.
Although Jones’ return was a factor, it wasn’t the only reason for Wilson’s turnaround.
“I’d say the biggest difference was the week of practice and taking accountability,” Ramsey said. “We came together as a group this week. You know what? We all need to lose our egos. If you’re not willing to do that, we’ll leave you behind. It’s a hard thing to do but everyone is buying in. I think we’re in for a run.”
Flite and Jadyn Jones scored touchdowns in the third quarter to raise Wilson’s lead to 40-0 and invoke the mercy rule.
Wilson entered the weekend outside of the eight qualifying spots for the District 3 playoffs. It was behind L-L rivals Hempfield, Manheim Township and, yes, Penn Manor.
Being in this position was sobering for the Bulldogs.
“It really is a reality check,” Weitzel said. “Our program is known as being dominant and all that. To have a losing record to start the season is a struggle. To fight against it and come back means a lot to us.”
For one game at least, life was back to normal at Wilson.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final | |
| Wilson | 7 | 19 | 14 | 0 | 40 |
| Penn Manor | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 |
Scoring summary
| Team | Player | Play | From | PAT Player | Extra Point |
| Wilson | Flite | 18 pass | Hoffman | Rada | kick |
| Wilson | J. Jones | 2 run | Run failed | ||
| Wilson | J. Jones | 1 run | Pass failed | ||
| Wilson | C. Jones | 70 punt return | Rada | kick | |
| Wilson | Flite | 9 pass from | Hoffman | Rada | kick |
| Wilson | J. Jones | 68 run | Rada | kick | |
| Penn Manor | Stuart | 22 pass | Warfel | Pass failed | |
Team statistics
| Wilson | Penn Manor | |
| First downs | 12 | 8 |
| Rushes-yards | 26-196 | 24-2 |
| Passing yards | 72 | 123 |
| Total yards | 268 | 125 |
| Passes | 6-11-0 | 10-18-1 |
| Fumbles-lost | 0-0 | 2-1 |
| Punts-average | 1-35.0 | 6-24.3 |
| Penalties-yards | 4-45 | 4-30 |
Individual statistics
RUSHING
Wilson: J. Jones 11-156, Beckford 3-19, Hoffman 7-10, Welmaker 2-7, Flite 1-7, Crocona 1-2, Hunsicker 1-(-5).
Penn Manor: Stuart 4-10, Osman 6-3, Stanley 1-1, Kreider 4-0, Hinkle 1-(-2), Warfel 8-(-10).
PASSING
Wilson: Hoffman 4-5-0–47; Woods 1-1-0–21; Crocona 1-3-0–4; Hunsicker 0-2-0–0.
Penn Manor: Warfel 9-17-1–123; Kreider 1-1-0–0.
RECEIVING
Wilson: Flite 3-36, Cooper 1-21, Case 1-11, Fernandez 1-4.
Penn Manor: Stuart 5-44, Stanley 2-50, Kreider 2-18, Vassor 1-11.
INTERCEPTIONS
Wilson: Lenart.
